Hamas wants pressure on Israel

The militant group sets out demands before second phase of ceasefire

- BY MEGAN JANETSKY AND JULIA FRANKEL

Hamas on Tuesday called for more international pressure on Israel before the militant group moves forward with the next phase of the ceasefire in Gaza, with a Hamas leader saying it wants Israel to open a key border crossing, cease deadly strikes and allow more aid into the strip devastated by the two-year war.

The demand came as Israel's government says it is ready to move into the next and more complicated phase of President Trump's 20-point ceasefire agreement, while calling on Hamas to return the remains of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza as envisioned in the deal.

Husam Badran, a member of Hamas' political wing, called for the “full implementation of all the terms of the first phase” before moving forward, including an end to what he called the continuing demolition of Palestinian homes in the majority of the territory still controlled by Israel.

Israeli airstrikes and shootings in Gaza have killed at least 376 Palestinians since the ceasefire took hold Oct. 10, according to Palestinian health officials.

A difficult phase

Badran said it was not possible to enter the second phase of the ceasefire unless the steps he demanded were taken—remarks that reflect a hardening of tone from Hamas.