Hamas wants to remain armed in Gaza, talks of a five-year ceasefire

Hamas plans to maintain security control in the Gaza Strip during a transitional period and cannot commit to disarmament for the time being. This was stated by Mohammed Nazzal, a member of the Hamas Politburo, in an interview with the Reuters news agency.

He added that the movement was prepared to agree to a ceasefire lasting three to five years in order to rebuild the devastated area.

Nazzal emphasized that issues of disarmament and the administration of Gaza require a broader Palestinian consensus. Israel insists that Hamas must release all hostages, lay down its weapons, and hand over the administration of the area to a technocratic government under international supervision, in accordance with President Donald Trump's plan.

According to the Israeli government, Hamas has not yet fulfilled the conditions of the ceasefire. Trump stressed that the movement must comply with the agreement or face consequences.

Nazzal said that Hamas agrees to a transitional administration for Gaza, with its members present on the ground to protect aid deliveries. Disarmament is to be discussed in the second phase of negotiations.

The movement is also demanding long-term guarantees that will give Palestinians hope for their own state.

(reuters, sie)