Senior Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq responded to statements made by US President Donald Trump denying famine in the Gaza Strip and accusing the movement of stealing aid. The movement asserted that these allegations reinforce the occupation's narrative and provide it with additional cover to continue its war of extermination against the Palestinians.

In a statement, al-Rishq condemned Trump's statements, saying they "deny the famine despite the testimony of the United Nations and international organizations, and the deaths of dozens of children from starvation due to the siege and the prevention of food and medicine entry."

The movement's leader denied allegations of aid theft, citing an internal investigation conducted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) that revealed the US State Department had not provided any evidence against Hamas, and that Reuters confirmed the absence of any reports indicating systematic theft.

Al-Rishq accused the Israeli occupation of creating an environment of chaos that leads to the looting of aid, through its repeated targeting of Palestinian police officers protecting aid trucks, which facilitates the seizure of this aid by "gangs protected by the occupation."

The senior Hamas official called on the US administration to stop repeating propaganda and blatant lies made by the occupation, holding Washington responsible for the humanitarian and moral consequences of the siege, starvation, and systemic killing in Gaza.

Hamas rejects Trump’s remarks, blames 'Israel' for blocking aid

Hamas expressed surprise on Saturday at recent statements made by US President Donald Trump and earlier by US envoy Steve Witkoff regarding the ongoing Gaza negotiations. The movement said these remarks contradict the reality of the talks and the assessment of key mediators.

In a press statement, senior Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq criticized the US statements as being inconsistent with the progress of the negotiation process, noting that "the mediating parties, particularly Qatar and Egypt, express their satisfaction and appreciation for our serious and constructive position."

Al-Rishq emphasized that Hamas has acted "with national responsibility and high flexibility" since the start of the Gaza negotiations, to reach a comprehensive agreement that would halt aggression and alleviate the suffering of residents in the Gaza Strip.

According to al-Rishq, Hamas’ final response to the negotiation proposals was submitted following extensive consultations with Palestinian factions, mediators, and friendly nations. He said the movement responded positively and flexibly to observations raised during discussions, working within the framework of the Witkoff document.