Gaza city: The Palestinian group Hamas declared on Wednesday that a planned Israeli offensive to seize control of Gaza City is destined to fail, similar to previous attempts. The group asserted that the operation would not achieve its objectives, dismissing the idea that occupying Gaza would be straightforward.

According to Anadolu Agency, the statement from Hamas came shortly after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz approved a plan to carry out the offensive, named Operation Gideon's Chariots 2, which aims to occupy Gaza City. Hamas described the plan as a continuation of the prolonged conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has persisted for over 22 months, and a disregard for mediators' efforts towards a ceasefire and prisoner swap deal.

Hamas emphasized that it had accepted a ceasefire proposal put forward by mediators, yet accused the Israeli government of continuing its offensive against civilians in Gaza. The group claimed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's lack of response to the ceasefire proposal reflects his disinterest in upholding agreements and resolving the issue of captives.

Additionally, Hamas urged mediators to apply pressure on Israel to halt what it termed as genocide against Palestinians. The approval of the plan by Israel's Security Cabinet on August 8 indicated intentions to occupy Gaza City, located in the northern part of the enclave. Katz's further approval on Wednesday underscored Israel's strategy to displace approximately 1 million Palestinians southwards before besieging and occupying the city through intense attacks.

On August 18, Hamas had announced its acceptance of a ceasefire and prisoner swap proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, to which Israel has yet to respond.