Hamas has rejected Israeli claims that the Palestinian resistance movement is planning to capture Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip, describing the allegations as “pure lies and blatant incitement” aimed at paving the way for further Israeli attacks on Palestinians.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said Wednesday that reports alleging plans to capture Israeli soldiers were being used to create a pretext for further military escalation and violations in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Qassem stressed that Hamas remains committed to the ceasefire agreement and called on mediators and the Peace Council to assume their responsibilities by taking immediate action to halt what he described as Israel’s continued breaches of the truce.

“The allegations are part of an incitement campaign,” Qassem said, warning that such claims could be used to justify further attacks and undermine efforts to preserve the ceasefire.

His remarks came after Israeli Channel 14 reported Monday that Hamas was allegedly preparing to capture Israeli soldiers in Gaza. The report did not provide clear evidence or specific details to substantiate the claim.

Hamas firmly rejected the report, saying such allegations serve to inflame tensions and provide political and military justification for further Israeli escalation at a time when Palestinians in Gaza remain exposed to continued violations of the ceasefire.

Qassem urged the mediators and the Peace Council to intervene decisively to stop the violations, protect the ceasefire and prevent the situation in Gaza from deteriorating further.

The Hamas spokesperson’s comments come amid continued uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire, with Palestinians and humanitarian organizations repeatedly warning that renewed Israeli military action could further deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Hamas has called for the ceasefire to be preserved and for international guarantors and mediators to ensure that its provisions are respected, while accusing Israel of repeatedly undermining the agreement. (ILKHA)