GAZA, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Hamas on Thursday accused the U.S.-led "Board of Peace" of failing to compel Israel to halt alleged violations of humanitarian law in Gaza, after five Palestinians, including three children, were killed in the territory's north earlier in the day.
In a statement, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said the incident "reveals the increasing failure" of the body to force Israel to stop violations or meet its obligations under existing agreements, calling it further evidence of a continuing "war of extermination."
He urged mediators, ceasefire guarantors and board participants to take responsibility and pressure Israel to halt its military actions.
Tensions persist despite a fragile ceasefire, with continued Israeli airstrikes and disputes over implementing key provisions, including humanitarian aid deliveries and military withdrawal.
A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel has been in place since Oct. 10. Its initial phase included exchanges of prisoners and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid and partial Israeli withdrawals.
The United States said in mid-January that a second phase of its proposed plan would include a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, reconstruction efforts and the establishment of a transitional governing authority.
But that second phase has been delayed with no start date. Israel continues to carry out strikes in the enclave. Gaza health authorities said on Thursday that 791 people have been killed and more than 2,235 wounded since the October ceasefire. ■
