“We reaffirm our desire to complete the remaining stages of the ceasefire agreement, leading to a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire, a full withdrawal of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, reconstruction efforts, and the lifting of the blockade,” Hamas said in a statement, according to AFP.
This statement comes ahead of the Arab League summit on Gaza scheduled for Tuesday (March 4), where the situation in Gaza will be a central topic. The first stage of the ceasefire, which began on January 19, is nearing its end, but there is still uncertainty surrounding the next phase. This ceasefire aims to bring an end to more than 15 months of conflict triggered by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which is noted as the deadliest assault in Israel’s history.
Despite Israel sending a delegation to Cairo for negotiations, as of Saturday (March 1), there has been no sign of consensus on the second stage of the ceasefire. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem confirmed that the group rejected the extension of the first stage as proposed by Israel. Qassem also urged mediators such as Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to ensure that Israel adheres to the agreed terms.
Hamas emphasized its preparedness to accept any options agreed upon by the Palestinian people but firmly rejected any attempts to impose non-Palestinian administration or foreign military presence in any part of the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion for the U.S. to “take control” of Gaza and relocate Palestinians elsewhere has been strongly rejected by Palestinians and neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan.