Gaza: Hamas on Sunday rejected a statement by the US State Department accusing the group of harming Palestinians and violating a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

According to Anadolu Agency, the State Department said early Sunday that the US informed guarantor nations of the ceasefire agreement with 'credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza.'

Hamas responded to these allegations, describing them as consistent with misleading Israeli propaganda, and accused the Israeli occupation of continued crimes and aggression against Palestinians. The group issued a statement on Telegram denouncing the US claims as false.

The group further accused the Israeli army of arming and funding criminal gangs that target civilians in Gaza, as well as looting aid trucks and Palestinian property. Hamas asserted that evidence from media reports and video clips shows the involvement of these gangs in spreading chaos, thereby countering the allegations made by the US.

Hamas emphasized that Gaza's police forces are actively pursuing these gangs, with support from the public, and are holding them accountable through established legal processes. The group also called on the US to reconsider its stance and address what they consider to be Israeli violations, particularly the financial and logistical support for criminal gangs.

Last week, a ceasefire and hostage swap agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas, based on a plan presented by US President Donald Trump. The initial phase of the agreement involved the exchange of hostages and prisoners, with further plans for Gaza's reconstruction and the establishment of a new governing mechanism excluding Hamas.