(VOVWORLD) - UN spokesperson Farhan Haq on Friday criticized Israel’s expansion of its military operations in the Gaza Strip, stating that it runs counter to the United Nations' calls for a ceasefire in the Palestinian territory.
 Relatives welcome released Palestinian employees in Ramallah, West Bank, February 1. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) |
Speaking to the press, Haq emphasized that Israel’s actions contradict to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ repeated appeals to restore a ceasefire. He also noted that UN efforts to provide humanitarian support to Gaza residents remain stalled.
On the same day, the Hamas Movement denied reports that it had ceased communication or negotiations on a prisoner-hostage exchange deal with Israel.
In a press statement, Hamas reaffirmed that the agreement “remains central to the negotiations” and is “being finalized by mediators in a responsible and serious manner.”
Also on Friday, the Egyptian government refuted claims that it was preparing to relocate 500,000 people from Gaza to North Sinai as part of reconstruction efforts.
The Egyptian State Information Service (SIS) dismissed these reports as “false” and reiterated Cairo’s firm opposition to any forced or voluntary displacement of Palestinians, including relocation to Egypt.