Hamas has informed mediators that it is open to relinquishing its weapons to an Egyptian-Palestinian committee but firmly opposes the idea of an international transitional committee managing the Gaza Strip, as proposed in President Donald Trump's peace plan. Sources involved in the negotiations, who spoke to EFE, revealed that the Islamist group is willing to allow Palestinian security forces trained in Egypt and Jordan to enter Gaza.
Additionally, Hamas suggests transferring the civil administration of the Strip to an administrative committee linked to the Palestinian Authority (PA), alongside separate negotiations: one team with Israel (through mediators) and another with the Palestinian Authority. Hamas is also against the involvement of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as a "governor of Gaza," accepting only remote supervision, and demands clarification on the mechanisms for implementing Trump's plan, including guarantees that Israel will not resume hostilities once an agreement is reached.
Key Demands and Conditions
Among the central conditions, Hamas demands a "permanent ceasefire," the "complete withdrawal" of Israeli forces from the Strip, unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid, the return of displaced persons to their residences, and the immediate start of comprehensive reconstruction under the supervision of a Palestinian national body of technocrats. Moreover, they call for a "fair prisoner exchange agreement."
Regarding hostages, EFE sources indicate Hamas is prepared to release "all hostages and captives, both living and deceased," contingent on reaching an agreement. They also request that Hamas leaders be allowed to leave Gaza with U.S. assurances of non-persecution.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson, representing a mediating country, stated that if an agreement is reached, releasing the hostages would be the first phase, marking the "end of the war." He mentioned 48 hostages (both living and dead) in a swap with Palestinian prisoners and emphasized that the outcomes must be "definitive, not temporary," applied gradually to prevent a resurgence of hostilities.
Ongoing Negotiations and the Trump Proposal
Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas continued on Tuesday in Sharm el-Sheikh, following a positive first session that aimed to identify bottlenecks. Hamas's chief negotiator, Khalil al-Haya, led the delegation.
President Donald Trump had previously unveiled a comprehensive plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which includes an immediate ceasefire, the establishment of a transitional government without the Islamist group, and the release of all hostages within 72 hours of the agreement's acceptance. Trump warned the terrorist group of severe consequences if they rejected the terms: "Hell like never before will be unleashed."
He also urged Palestinian civilians to move to safer areas within Gaza. "To all innocent Palestinians: move to safe places. You will be well taken care of by those ready to assist," he wrote.
This agreement aims to conclude nearly two years of conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in over 66,000 Palestinian deaths, including 17,000 children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
Understanding the Agreement and Its Implications
What are the main conditions Hamas has set for disarmament?
Hamas has set conditions including a permanent ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian aid, the return of displaced persons, comprehensive reconstruction, and a fair prisoner exchange.
Why does Hamas oppose Tony Blair's involvement?
Hamas opposes Tony Blair's role as a "governor of Gaza," preferring only remote supervision, due to concerns over external control and influence.
What has President Trump proposed in his plan?
President Trump's plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, the formation of a transitional government without Hamas, and the release of hostages within 72 hours of the agreement.