Hamas Official: Group Aims to Maintain Gaza Security, Cannot Commit to Disarming

Hamas's Stance on Gaza Security and Disarmament

• 🎯 A senior Hamas official, Mohammed Nazzal, stated in an exclusive interview with Reuters that Hamas intends to maintain security control in Gaza during an interim period.
• ❓ Nazzal could not commit to the group disarming, emphasizing that the answer depends on the nature of the project.

Ceasefire Duration and Rebuilding Gaza

• ⏳ Hamas is ready for a ceasefire of up to 5 years to allow for the rebuilding of Gaza.
• 🏗️ The goal of a truce is to rebuild the Gaza Strip, which requires at least 5 years, rather than to prepare for a future war.

Obstacles to Ending the War

• ⚠️ The timing of Nazzal's comments highlights major obstacles to cementing a full end to the war in Gaza.
• 🤝 The Israeli Prime Minister's office stated Israel is committed to the ceasefire agreement and upholding its side of the plan.
• 🕊️ Hamas released all living hostages and agreed to hand over governance to an international committee, but insists other matters need addressing within a wider Palestinian framework.

International Response and Palestinian Statehood

• 🗣️ When asked for a response to Nazzal's remarks, the White House directed Reuters to comments by then-US President Donald Trump, who expressed hope that Hamas would honor its commitment.
• 🌍 Nazzal indicated that guarantees for the future would require states to provide "horizons and hope" for the Palestinian people.
• 🇵🇸 He stressed that if an independent Palestinian state is not established, the Palestinian issue will remain.