In a statement, Hamas said the "continued massacres... place direct political and moral responsibility on the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to end the genocide carried out in full view of the entire world."

"We call on the Arab and Islamic countries to take urgent action in the international forums, particularly the UN's Security Council, and implement immediate measures to halt the aggression," it added.

Israel resumed its relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip on Tuesday after talks on extending the truce reached an impasse, drawing widespread international condemnation.

The first phase of the ceasefire, under which Israeli captives held by Hamas were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, expired earlier this month. Since then, Israel has refused to advance to the second phase, instead imposing preconditions, restricting humanitarian aid, and stalling negotiations to avoid discussions on a full military withdrawal and a lasting end to its war on Gaza.

Hamas had sought to uphold the terms of the initial deal, which outlined a phased captive-prisoner exchange followed by negotiations for a permanent truce. However, Israel has blocked progress toward the second phase and instead renewed its assault on Tuesday, refusing to commit to its implementation despite the agreement being signed by Tel Aviv.

Hamas has said it remains open to talks but insists no new agreements are necessary. “We have no conditions, but we demand that the occupation be compelled to immediately halt its aggression and war of extermination, and begin the second phase of negotiations,” Hamas official Taher al-Nunu told AFP on Thursday.

At least 710 Palestinians have been killed and more than 900 injured in Gaza since Israel resumed its war, Gaza's Health Ministry spokesperson Khalil al-Daqran said on Thursday, adding that 70 percent of the casualties were women and children.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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