Gaza city: A local leader of the Palestinian group Hamas stated on Sunday that engaging in negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza is pointless while Israel persists with its siege, starvation tactics, and alleged genocide against civilians within the enclave.

According to Anadolu Agency, Khalil al-Hayya, the deputy head of Hamas in Gaza and a member of its political bureau, made this declaration in a recorded statement broadcast on the group's Telegram channel. He appealed to Arab and Muslim nations, urging them to march toward Palestine in protest to help terminate the blockade.

Al-Hayya called on scholars and the general public in the Arab and Islamic world to prevent Gaza from 'dying of hunger.' He encouraged governments to sever all political, diplomatic, and commercial ties with Israel. Furthermore, he urged the public to 'express outrage by all means,' and encouraged individuals in neighboring countries to march toward Gaza by land and sea, surround Israeli embassies, and intensify economic and tourism boycotts.

Negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire were taking place in Doha, the capital of Qatar. However, discussions hit a snag when the US and Israel recalled their teams for consultations on Thursday following Hamas's response to the latest truce proposal.

The Israeli army, dismissing international calls for a ceasefire, has continued its aggressive actions in Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of over 59,800 Palestinians, the majority of whom were women and children. The ongoing bombardment has devastated the enclave and led to severe food shortages.

In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing genocide charges at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.