Hamas’s acting Gaza chief, Khalil al-Hayya, praised the resilience of the Palestinian people in an interview with Al-Aqsa TV on Wednesday, highlighting their steadfastness amid the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.

Al-Hayya affirmed that the Palestinian people would not surrender or raise the white flag, emphasizing that resistance efforts would persist to defend Palestinian land and its cause by all available means. He underscored the importance of national unity as the key to overcoming the challenges posed by the Israeli occupation.

Al-Hayya accused Israel of seeking to eliminate life in Gaza by targeting civilians, hospitals, and vital infrastructure, with the aim of depopulating the area. He claimed that the Israeli military has divided Gaza into northern and southern regions as part of what he described as the "Generals' Plan."

He highlighted the dire conditions in both regions, stating, "The north faces an unprecedented attack with thousands under siege and starving, while the south, including Rafah, is nearly uninhabitable due to Israeli control and violence."

The Hamas leader also accused Israel of targeting Palestinians across all territories, including the West Bank, Jerusalem, and within the Green Line, aiming to eradicate the Palestinian presence entirely.

Despite the challenges, al-Hayya asserted that Palestinian resistance factions remain active, particularly in northern Gaza, and claimed responsibility for the deaths of over 30 Israeli soldiers.

He reiterated Hamas’s stance on a prisoner exchange deal, stating that no agreement would occur until the war ends. "Without an end to the war, there can be no prisoner swap," he said, while also acknowledging ongoing negotiations with mediators.

Al-Hayya blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for delaying talks for political reasons, calling for genuine efforts from Israel to end the conflict. "We are ready to engage in negotiations, but it is essential to see a real will from the occupation to halt the aggression," he emphasized.

The interview reflects the escalating tensions and deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza as the conflict shows no sign of abating. (ILKHA)