Deputy Head of the Political Bureau of Hamas, Saleh al-Arouri, affirmed Wednesday that the performance of the Axis of Resistance during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood is advanced, especially that of Hezbollah and the Yemeni Armed Forces, calling for an escalation of action against the Israeli occupation.

In an interview with the Palestinian Al-Aqsa TV, al-Arouri pointed out that there are "funeral processions [for Resistance fighters] in Lebanon every day," adding, "We trust our brothers in Hezbollah, and we hope they increase their participation in the battle, leading to the final confrontation to decisively end the battle."

He praised the Yemeni strikes against the Israeli occupation, expressing regret that some Arab countries are intercepting the Resistance's missiles from Yemen. The Palestinian official encouraged further strikes against the Israeli occupation from Arab countries.

Touching on the Israeli incursions into some areas in the Gaza Strip, al-Arouri underlined that such incursions will not stop the Resistance fighters' battle against the occupation's tanks and soldiers, pointing out that the more the Israeli occupation expands and extends its forces on the ground, the more its losses increase.

The Hamas official indicated that Operation Al-Aqsa Flood is not a battle for Gaza alone but is a "battle for al-Quds," in which all the free people of the world with humanitarian consciences should take part in.

Furthermore, al-Arouri recalled that he had previously stated that "resistance may flare up in the West Bank and calm down in Gaza" and vice versa, but it continues "because our people refuse to surrender and cannot surrender."

Regarding "Israel's" declared goal in its aggression on the Gaza Strip, which is to "topple the Hamas movement," and the alignment of the US and the West with it, al-Arouri called for discussing the post-occupation phase, not the illusions of a post-Hamas one.

Addressing the issue of Israeli captives held by the Palestinian Resistance, al-Arouri stressed that "the occupation must pay the price and release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli captives," stressing, "This is our right, and we are serious about it."

He also pointed out that the fundamental policy of the Israeli enemy is the displacement of Gaza's population outside the sector as a second and final stage, with the first stage aiming to displace them from the northern part of the sector to the Strip. He confirmed the failure of both stages, with only 25% of the population in the north fleeing to the south amid Israeli bombardments.

Al-Arouri hailed the Palestinian people's bravery and patience, underlining that Operation Al-Aqsa Flood is decisive and pivotal on the path to victory over the Israeli occupation.

A ceasefire agreement in Gaza is not imminent: Hamas

In a related context, Ghazi Hamad, a member of the Political Bureau of Hamas, told Al Mayadeen on Thursday that he cannot consider that there is any close agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Hamad mentioned that Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims to be working on the release of captives held by Hamas but does not agree to any proposals in this regard.

He indicated that Netanyahu is the main obstacle to finding solutions to the captives' file, adding that "Israel" does not seem to be interested or sincere in reaching a deal.

The Palestinian official affirmed that the Palestinian resistance has informed the mediators of its high level of readiness to deal with the captives' file and its specific demands. He noted that what is happening on the ground is being controlled and managed with a high degree of proficiency by the al-Qassam Brigades.

"I challenge the [Israeli] occupation to provide evidence that it has taken down Hamas leaders," he said.

He emphasized that the entire Palestinian people reject the American position regarding the future of Gaza or other matters.

Hamad considered that the position of the Palestinian Authority should be strong and resolute and should declare that Gaza's governance is a Palestinian matter, saying, "We have the ability and the strength to thwart the American plan."

Regarding the achievements of the Yemeni Armed Forces, Hamad said that the Yemeni brothers are determined and have the will to fight alongside the Palestinian people.

Read more: Only way for captives' release is an exchange deal: Abu Obeida