Hamas says ‘no point’ to truce talks as Israel plans to capture all of Gaza

A senior Hamas official has declared an end to negotiations over a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, following Israel’s approval of an expanded military campaign that could see it take indefinite control of the Palestinian territory.

Bassem Naim, speaking to the BBC, said there was “no point” in engaging with new proposals while Israel continued what he described as a “starvation war” against Gaza’s population.

The statement comes after the Israeli military confirmed plans for a “wide-scale” ground operation in Gaza, aimed at both securing the release of hostages and delivering what officials described as Hamas’s “decisive defeat.” The operation, which Israeli authorities say could involve the full capture of Gaza and forced displacement of much of its population, will reportedly not begin until after U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the region — a delay Israeli officials described as a “window of opportunity” for a possible last-minute agreement.

Naim’s response, however, indicates Hamas sees little use in further dialogue under the current conditions.

The United Nations and several Western leaders have expressed alarm over Israel’s escalating military posture. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that a prolonged Israeli presence would result in “countless more civilian deaths and the further destruction of Gaza.” UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have both voiced concern and called for a renewed peace process, according to Downing Street.

President Trump, meanwhile, said the U.S. would assist in delivering food to Gaza, though he provided no specifics. “People are starving and we’re going to help them get some food,” he said, blaming Hamas for blocking the distribution of aid by allegedly seizing supplies — a charge the group denies.

Israel had halted all aid deliveries to Gaza on March 2, resuming military operations two weeks later after a temporary ceasefire collapsed. The Israeli government has since proposed that humanitarian assistance be routed through private contractors operating from military zones — a plan that aid organizations have condemned as a violation of humanitarian principles.

The UN has reiterated that Israel, as the occupying power, is obligated under international law to ensure the delivery of essential food and medical supplies. Israel insists it is complying with legal standards and denies claims of an aid shortage.

The current military campaign began following Hamas’s surprise cross-border assault on October 7, 2023, which left around 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage. Since then, at least 52,567 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including 2,459 deaths since the offensive resumed, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.

With humanitarian conditions in Gaza continuing to deteriorate and diplomatic channels breaking down, the region stands on the brink of even greater devastation.