Regarding the situation on the ground, Qassem said Israel “committed a major massacre against the people of Gaza in continuation of the war of extermination,” arguing that this is “evidence that the war has not stopped.”
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that 17 Palestinians were killed by Israeli shelling and gunfire over the past 48 hours, including 13 in the last 24 hours, despite an ongoing ceasefire.
Qassem said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “seeking by all means, through this escalation of killing, to sabotage US President Donald Trump’s peace plan.”
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He called on the international community to develop a “real plan” to support municipalities in Gaza after the “massive destruction and devastation affecting people, buildings, and infrastructure.”
On September 29, 2025, Trump announced a plan to end the Israeli war on Gaza, including a ceasefire, partial withdrawal, release of remaining Israeli captives, and the entry of aid trucks.
While Hamas adhered to its commitments under the first phase by releasing Israeli prisoners, Israel did not fully comply with its obligations and continued attacks, killing and wounding hundreds of Palestinians.
The second phase includes broader Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction, and the beginning of disarmament of factions, which has not yet been implemented.
The ceasefire followed nearly two years of war that began in October 2023, resulting in extensive damage to infrastructure across the enclave.