Hamas’ Position on Ceasefire and Reconstruction in Gaza
Dr. Bassem Naim, a key member of the Political Bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), articulated the movement's response to a significant proposal regarding the Gaza Strip. This proposal was initially delivered by US President Joe Biden and is said to have its origins in an Israeli initiative. The response from Hamas was multifaceted and aimed at several essential elements, primarily focusing on a ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces, reconstruction, return of displaced persons, and a prisoner exchange. This response was delivered to mediators situated in Qatar and Egypt.
Naim stated that the movement's response goes beyond mere acceptance or rejection, encapsulating a comprehensive project that includes various pivotal points. The primary objective of Hamas, as highlighted by Naim, is to halt the ongoing aggression and massacre against the Palestinian people without compromising on fundamental demands. These demands include a complete ceasefire, withdrawal of Zionist forces, return of displaced individuals to their homes, and the initiation of the reconstruction process.
Mediation and International Involvement
Dr. Naim emphasized that the onus is now on the Israeli authorities and the American administration to adhere to their publicly stated commitments. These commitments include achieving a comprehensive ceasefire, ensuring no significant geographic or demographic alterations in the Gaza Strip, facilitating the return of the displaced, and starting the reconstruction efforts across the region. This aligns with the recent United Nations Security Council resolution, which has been endorsed by Hamas. The resolution, proposed by Washington, calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and underscores the mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
Detailed Proposals and Reactions
However, Israeli sources reported that the response from Hamas was a rejection of the outline. Senior officials in Hamas, including Gazat al-Rashek, contended that their response was responsible and aligned with the demands of the Palestinian people. The Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar provided additional details, noting that Hamas and Islamic Jihad prioritized a full ceasefire and IDF withdrawal from all Gaza areas. They insisted that withdrawals start from specific areas within the Gaza Strip and be completed within a week, coinciding with the phased release of Israeli hostages.
Further demands from Hamas include the unconditional release of Palestinian security prisoners and the complete withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from the Gaza Strip. Additionally, Hamas called for inclusion of international guarantors like China, Russia, and Turkey in the agreement process, reflecting their mistrust towards the US as a guarantor, especially after recent operations involving the release of hostages.
- Naim’s response underscores the critical need for lasting peace and stability in the Gaza region. The complexity of the situation demands robust mediation efforts and international cooperation. The withdrawal of Israeli forces and comprehensive reconstruction are seen as non-negotiable by Hamas in establishing long-term peace.
- The phased release of hostages and conditional ceasefire highlight the intricate negotiation dynamics involved. Mediators from Qatar and Egypt play a crucial role in facilitating these discussions and ensuring adherence to agreements.
- The call for international guarantors like China, Russia, and Turkey underscores a broader geopolitical play, reflecting mistrust in existing mediators and hinting at the need for a diversified and credible mediation landscape.
