GAZA CITY, Palestine /ISTANBUL

Hamas has condemned a "horrific massacre" committed by the Israeli army in northern Gaza, which killed nine Palestinians, accusing Israel of "deliberately sabotaging any chance of completing the ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchange."

In a statement, the Palestinian movement said the attack was a "continuation of the war crimes the enemy is committing against our people."

According to the Health Ministry, the initial toll from the Israeli bombardment on Beit Lahia on Saturday was nine Palestinians killed and several others wounded, some of them critically.

Hamas described the attack as a "dangerous escalation that reflects Israel’s insistence on continuing its aggression and disregard for all international laws and conventions."

It said Israel has killed more than 150 Palestinians since the Gaza ceasefire agreement took effect in January.

Hamas called on mediators, the UN, and relevant parties to "assume their political and legal responsibilities to stop these crimes and prevent Israel from continuing its aggression."

The first six-week phase of the deal ended on March 2 following several prisoners-for-hostages exchanges. Israel has refused to proceed with the second phase, which will lead to a permanent end to war.​​​​​​​

More than 48,500 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has left the enclave in ruins.