Hamas approves Gaza governance plan, stresses need for 2nd phase talks

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Hamas Media Office
9 Mar 2025 03:26
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A high-ranking Hamas delegation has finalized crucial talks with Egypt's top intelligence officer. The sides discussed the ceasefire with "Israel" and governance of the Gaza Strip.

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Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades fighters stand in formation ahead of the planned release of Israeli captives set to be handed over to the Red Cross in al-Nuseirat, the Gaza Strip, Palestine, on February 22, 2025. (AP)

Hamas' negotiating team finalized its trip to Egypt, where the delegation discussed pathways for the implementation of the clauses of the ceasefire agreement with mediators.

The delegation, headed by Mohammad Darwish, head of Hamas' Shura Council and Chairman of its Leadership Council, held talks with the head of Egypt's General Intelligence Service, Major General Hassan Rashad. The two sides discussed several crucial issues, including the ceasefire agreement and the prisoner exchange deal.

A statement released by the Hamas Media Office described the talks as "positive and responsible."

"The Hamas delegation expressed its gratitude and appreciation for Egypt's efforts, especially in countering displacement plans," the Palestinian Resistance movement said, referring to United States President Donald Trump's plot to "take over" the Gaza Strip.

Welcoming the outcomes of the most recent Arab summit, Hamas highlighted Egypt's Gaza reconstruction plan and the Palestinian people's inalienable right to statehood.

Hamas calls for immediate talks on 2nd phase of ceasefire deal

In further details, Hamas negotiating team emphasized the need to uphold the terms of the multi-phase ceasefire agreement between the Palestinian Resistance and "Israel".

The Israeli regime continues to blatantly violate the clauses of the agreement, which include the delivery of large amounts of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, as well as multiple acts of aggression against civilians.

Most importantly, the Israeli government ignored a time limit to enter negotiations for the second phase of the agreement, which would have secured the release of the remaining Israeli captives and a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

"The delegation emphasized the need to uphold all terms of the agreement, immediately commence negotiations for the second phase, reopen border crossings, and allow the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza," the statement underlined.

Efforts to revive negotiations were continuously obstructed by the Israeli regime. However, a US-backed proposal issued at the conclusion of the 42-day first phase further destabilized the ceasefire agreement brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the previous US administration.

Hamas reiterates position on transitional Gaza governance model

Additionally, Hamas reiterated its approval of a committee responsible for governance of civil affairs in the Gaza Strip to the high-ranking Egyptian intelligence officer.

The framework of the "Community Support Committee" was agreed upon between the leading Palestinian factions, Fatah and Hamas, during talks sponsored by Egypt in December 2024.

Hamas' delegation said that the committee, which will be composed of independent Palestinian experts and national figures, will administer Gaza until "Palestinian reconciliation" is achieved and general elections are held.