Hamas says Gaza raids a threat to truce talks

Israeli forces advanced deeper into the Gaza Strip’s largest city in pursuit of militants who had regrouped there, sending thousands of Palestinians fleeing on Monday from an area ravaged in the early weeks of the nine-month-long war.

- SAMY MAGDY AND WAFAA SHURAFA

Hamas has warned that Israel’s expanding military operations in Gaza City and the displacement of thousands of residents could have “disastrous repercussions” for talks aimed at a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages.

The militant group said in a statement Monday that its top political leader Ismail Haniyeh warned mediators of the “collapse” of the negotiations, saying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli army would bear “full responsibility.”

The statement came days after the two sides appeared to have narrowed gaps in the long-running negotiations. Talks on a ceasefire were expected to resume this week.

Hamas wants an agreement that ensures that the war ends and Israeli troops fully leave Gaza.