Hamas has rejected accusations by the US that the group was planning “an imminent ceasefire violation” in Gaza by attacking Palestinian civilians.
The US State Department on Saturday said the alleged attack would constitute a “direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement” but did not provide any details.
This came several days after Hamas security forces were filmed executing people it said were members of criminal gangs and Israel-backed militias.
Hamas rejected the claims in a statement on Sunday.
“The police forces in Gaza, with extensive assistance from residents, are fulfilling their national duty by pursuing militias and holding them accountable according to clear laws, in order to protect residents and property,” it said.
This came hours after Hamas handed over another two bodies of deceased Israeli captives on Saturday. One was identified as Ronen Engel, who was captured from Kibbutz Nir Oz on 7 October 2023.