Hamas has sharply criticized U.S. President Joe Biden's recent remarks regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, accusing him of giving Israel a "green light" to continue its military operations.

The condemnation came after Biden suggested that Hamas was backing away from a proposed ceasefire deal, a claim the group vehemently denies.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Hamas described Biden's comments as "misleading" and not reflective of the movement's true position, which it insists is committed to achieving a ceasefire. The statement went further, accusing the U.S. of complicity in what it termed a "war of extermination" against civilians in Gaza.

Biden, speaking to reporters while boarding a plane after an event in Chicago, said, "Israel says they can work it out, they're prepared. But I was told Hamas is now backing off." He added, "It remains to be seen. We're going to keep pushing."

Hamas responded by asserting that Biden's remarks signal U.S. approval of continued Israeli actions, describing them as an "American green light" for further violence. The group also accused the U.S. of a clear bias toward Israel and of altering previously agreed terms of a ceasefire proposal, which it described as a "coup" against the original framework.

The statement from Hamas was issued as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Egypt for discussions on a Gaza ceasefire, following his meetings with Israeli officials in Jerusalem.

Hamas also blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for stalling the ceasefire agreement, accusing him of setting new conditions and demands that have prevented a resolution. The group called on mediators to hold Israel accountable and to press for the acceptance of the original ceasefire proposal.

The ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza, which has persisted for 10 months, has seen numerous attempts at brokering a ceasefire, with international efforts continuing despite the latest setbacks. (ILKHA)