Head of the Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh has reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to its demands for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Mr Haniyeh said in a speech ahead of the International Quds Day, that the demands include the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip, the return of the displaced to their homes and the entry of aid.

Other demands include the lifting of the blockade, reconstruction and a dignified prisoner exchange deal.

In the speech, he accused the Israeli side of sticking to “indirect negotiations and not responding to the fair Palestinian demands to stop its aggression on Gaza.”

He called on Arab and Islamic countries to form a popular front to put an end to Israeli aggression, and support the liberation battle waged by the Palestinian people.

Meanwhile, he emphasised that “the continued violence would not have endured without U.S. support and direct involvement in aiding Israel’s actions, including supplying weapons and billions in assistance.”

The International Quds Day, which falls on the last Friday of Ramadan every year, is to express support for Palestinians and oppose Israel’s occupation of Jerusalem.

This year’s occasion comes amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict since last October, resulting in the deaths of nearly 33,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction, and a humanitarian crisis.

The conflict started after Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israeli towns, killing around 1,200 people.

(Xinhua/NAN)