The Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip is a full-fledged genocide of the Palestinian people and a true disaster, Palestinian presidential adviser Mahmoud Habbash told Sputnik on Tuesday.
"A whole year of Israeli aggression has left the Gaza Strip facing a new real disaster and a full-fledged genocidal war, to which the Palestinian people are being subjected," Habbash said.
The Palestinian Authority's priority is to negotiate a ceasefire and protect civilians in the enclave, the presidential adviser added. The victory of the Palestinian people will be achieved by ending the Israeli occupation of the enclave, he said.
"We must switch from slogans to a realistic perception of the situation, which should primarily take into account the interests of our people, their right to existence, and guarantees for that right on Palestinian soil," the official added.
On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. In addition, Hamas fighters infiltrated the border areas, opened fire on the military and civilians and took hostages. Israeli authorities say that about 1,200 people were killed during the raid. The Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip and announced a complete blockade of the enclave. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, since October 7, 2023, the death toll has exceeded 41,900, and more than 97,300 people have been injured.