Hamas's Abu Ubaida calls for heightened action and ceasefire talks

On Tuesday, Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for Hamas’s armed wing, al-Qassam Brigades, urged for heightened action on all fronts in a televised address commemorating the 200th day since the start of the Israel-Palestine war in the Gaza Strip on 7 October.

In a video broadcast by Al Jazeera TV, Abu Ubaida lauded Iran’s assault on Israel on 13 April, saying that the strikes using explosive drones and missiles “set new rules, drew important equations, and confused the enemy and those behind it”.

He also called for an escalation in the West Bank and Jordan, calling it “one of the most important Arab fronts”.

He mentioned that Hamas remained firm on its requirements during the ongoing ceasefire negotiations: Israel must cease its military aggression, withdraw forces from Gaza, permit the displaced to return to northern Gaza, and lift the blockade.

“The government of the occupation is stalling in reaching a hostages-swap deal and is trying to obstruct efforts by the mediators to reach a ceasefire agreement,” Abu Ubaida said.