Web Desk: A senior Hamas official says the group intends to maintain security control in Gaza during a transitional period.
The official stated the group is open to a ceasefire lasting up to five years to allow for the rebuilding of Gaza. However, he stopped short of committing to disarmament, a key condition in U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan.
As public executions of criminals continue in Gaza, international negotiators expect Hamas to release all hostages, disarm and hand over governance to a technocratic committee backed by an international body. While Hamas has released living hostages and begun returning the bodies of others, Israel says the group has not fulfilled all obligations.
So far, Hamas has returned at least nine of 28 bodies but cites technical challenges in recovering more. Hamas says that they are open to future elections after a transitional period and signaled openness to a long-term truce, but stressed Palestinians must be given a real path to statehood.
The war, triggered by the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the abduction of over 250 people, has since resulted in the deaths of more than 70,000 people in Gaza, according to local authorities.
As phase two of negotiations approaches, deep divisions remain between Hamas, Israel and the U.S. over the future of Gaza underscoring the fragile nature of any potential peace.
