Ismail Haniyeh: Israel has failed 'militarily, politically and morally'

Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas's political bureau, has released a statement following Israel's operation in central Gaza.

"The enemy continues the massacres against our people, children and women ... which are now taking place in Nuseirat and Deir al-Balah," he said.

"The world has labelled the occupation as the killers of children, but it is unable to put an end to the war of extermination to which our people are exposed."

He said that the people of Gaza would "not surrender", and that "the resistance will continue to defend our rights".

"If the occupation believes that it can impose its choices on us by force, then it is delusional," Haniyeh said.

"The movement will not agree to any agreement that does not guarantee safety for our people first and foremost."

He said that Israel had failed "militarily, politically and morally", and called on the international community to take action against Israel's "brutal massacres".