Hamas Declines Ceasefire Talks: Tensions Escalate in Gaza

Hamas announced it will not participate in upcoming Gaza ceasefire talks in Qatar, impacting hopes for a truce that could prevent Iranian retaliation against Israel. This decision comes amid ongoing clashes and Israeli military strikes in Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has postponed a related trip to the Middle East.

Hamas announced on Wednesday that it would abstain from participating in new Gaza ceasefire talks scheduled for Thursday in Qatar. The decision dashes hopes for a negotiated truce that Iranian sources suggest could avert an Iranian attack on Israel. The U.S. noted indirect talks would proceed as planned in Qatar's capital, Doha, despite the setback.

Three senior Iranian officials indicated that only a ceasefire agreement in Gaza could prevent Iran from launching direct retaliation against Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh last month. While Israel plans to send a delegation to the talks, Hamas insists on a specific plan to implement a previously accepted proposal rather than engaging in further negotiations.

Armed confrontations persist in Gaza, with Israeli forces responding to Hamas rocket fire. Israeli airstrikes have targeted rocket launch sites and militants, resulting in several fatalities. Palestinian health officials report escalating casualties, primarily in central and southern Gaza as both sides remain divided over terms for ending the hostilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)