Hamas said the future of Gaza cannot be discussed without first ending what it described as ongoing Gaza aggression by Israeli forces. The comments came after US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace held its first meeting in Washington to outline a post-war framework for the enclave.
The Board of Peace reviewed plans involving international forces, reconstruction funding, and a transitional administrative committee although no timeline was provided for Israeli military withdrawal or the disarmament of Hamas.
Hamas conditions any political process on halting aggression
Hamas stressed that any political or reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip must begin with ending Israeli military operations and lifting the blockade imposed on the territory. The movement said Palestinian rights including freedom and self-determination must be guaranteed before any further steps.
Calls for ending blockade and ensuring national rights
In statements issued after the Washington meeting, Hamas said halting aggression and lifting restrictions on Gaza are essential for any future governance framework. The group again rejected Israeli demands for disarmament as a precondition for reconstruction.
International Stabilization Force proposals
During the Board of Peace meeting, several countries said they would contribute troops to an International Stabilization Force intended to monitor the ceasefire and support recovery efforts. Albania, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Morocco confirmed commitments. Indonesia announced readiness to send up to 8,000 troops.
Hamas open to peacekeeping under strict conditions
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told AFP the group was open to international forces that serve only to monitor the ceasefire and act as a buffer between Palestinians and Israeli forces.
He said these forces must not interfere in Gaza’s internal affairs.
Qassem added that training a Palestinian police force is acceptable if done within a national framework and aimed at maintaining internal security without political interference.
Hamas retains influence on daily life in Gaza
Despite the US-backed ceasefire and the formation of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, Hamas continues to maintain de facto authority over areas from which Israeli troops have withdrawn. Hamas police have returned to the streets directing traffic, regulating markets and enforcing taxes.
Residents report Hamas control in markets and services
Merchants and residents told AFP the Hamas-run ministries continue to manage prices, taxation and administrative functions. Many police stations destroyed during Israeli air strikes now operate from temporary tents.
Challenges facing the transitional committee
The technocratic committee is tasked with overseeing health, education and municipal services. However several residents said the body’s effectiveness will depend on strong support from the Palestinian Authority, Egypt and the United States. Many believe Hamas approval remains necessary for major decisions.
Regional and international skepticism
Experts and some allied governments expressed concerns that the Trump-backed Board of Peace may sideline the United Nations. Analysts warned that excluding Palestinian voices and relying heavily on ideas from pro-Israel partners may limit the plan’s viability.
Criticism of reconstruction conditions
Former US ambassador Dan Shapiro said tying reconstruction to Hamas disarmament and limiting Palestinian decision-making makes it difficult to view the board as a serious path forward.
Some observers described the emerging proposals as resembling an imposed economic project disconnected from local political realities.
Conclusion:
While international planning for Gaza’s future is accelerating, Hamas insists that real progress requires ending Israeli military actions and lifting the blockade. With complex political and security conditions still unresolved, the path forward remains uncertain.
