Gaza, Hamas: ‘Israel must respect agreement and open Rafah crossing’

Turin, 4 December (LaPresse) – Israel must respect the terms of the ceasefire agreement and open the Rafah crossing in both directions. This was stated by Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem, condemning Tel Aviv for continuing to “perpetrate massacres” in Gaza, including bombing civilians in their tents, despite the ceasefire of 10 October. In a statement quoted by Al Jazeera, Qassem said that Hamas is complying with the terms of the ceasefire agreement, as demonstrated by the recent release of a hostage’s body, and is committed to completing the agreed prisoner exchange. The spokesman called on mediators to ‘exert strong pressure’ on Israel to ‘stop its violations’ and respect its commitments under the agreement, including, he explained, opening the Rafah crossing ‘in both directions’.