Hamas Denounces Biden's Ceasefire Optimism as Illusion Amid Urgent Polio Crisis in Gaza

A senior official of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas has rejected the optimism expressed by U.S. President Joe Biden regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, describing it as an illusion. Amid ongoing conflicts, the humanitarian crisis has escalated, with over 40,000 Palestinians reported killed. The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are mediating negotiations between Israel and Hamas, yet no agreement was reached in the recent talks. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate truce to facilitate a vital polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, where a confirmed case has been reported. The Hamas movement has expressed support for this initiative, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid and ceasefire to protect children from the polio outbreak.