The Hamas terrorist organization released an official statement on Saturday, congratulating the Palestinian people on the ceasefire agreement. The statement also accused Israel of committing “war crimes” and waging a “war of annihilation” that has lasted 15 months, according to Arab networks.
מחבלים חמושים מהזרוע הצבאית של חמאס יצאו להסתובב ברחובות ח’אן יונס בדרום הרצועה.
9 תגובות pic.twitter.com/kRcXJ5YTHC
— Michael Philipsborn (@Michael02102105) January 19, 2025
Hamas announced that its security forces would begin redeploying across the Gaza Strip as soon as the ceasefire agreement takes effect. The group urged residents to protect both public and private property and to cooperate with the police and security forces.
אלו לא התיעודים שבישראל רוצים לראות:
משטרת חמאס נפרסת כעת באיזורים מהם צה”ל נסוג בלילה, המוני עזתים שבים לבתיהם בחגיגות, גם בג’באליה ובבית חאנון בהן צה”ל פעל קרקעית עד לסוף השבוע – בזמן שחמאס מפר את ההסכם עם ישראל כבר בתחילתו pic.twitter.com/Y3foX6BtHA— יואב זיתון (@yoavzitun) January 19, 2025
Since the announcement, Hamas officials in southern Gaza have openly challenged the IDF by deploying forces in the streets and holding press conferences. Reports indicate that the IDF has ceased fire as of Saturday.
שוטרי חמאס החלו להתפרס במדים ברצועת עזה. pic.twitter.com/acrCKVakji
— שחר קליימן Shachar Kleiman (@skleiman5791) January 19, 2025
On Saturday afternoon, the Fatah movement told the Saudi-owned Al-Hadath channel that Hamas’ plan to redeploy its forces in Gaza would hinder the ceasefire agreement. This came after statements from Egypt and Qatar, which informed Hamas that it would have no role in Gaza’s future, as reported by Al-Hadath.
