A spokesperson for Hamas, Hazem Qassem, has stated that the announcement of a proposed “Peace Council” holds initial positive indicators, reflecting regional and international interest in solidifying the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. However, Qassem emphasized that fundamental questions remain regarding the council’s practical substance and its commitment to holding the Israeli occupation accountable for its violations.
Qassem stressed the importance of ensuring the council does not become a vehicle solely for safeguarding Israel’s security. He indicated that the participation of Arab and Islamic nations with clear stances supporting the Palestinian cause, particularly those involved in mediating the ceasefire, could be viewed positively. This international and regional mobilization, he suggested, reflects a declared desire to sustain the cessation of hostilities.
The Hamas spokesperson outlined what the movement and the people of Gaza expect from the Peace Council. Chief among these expectations is the transformation of the temporary ceasefire into a sustainable one and the cessation of Israeli violations. He noted the deaths of approximately 500 Palestinians since the agreement came into effect, averaging five deaths per day, including those killed by artillery shelling coinciding with the council’s formation.
Qassem also demanded that the council compel the occupation to open border crossings and lift restrictions on the entry of aid and urgent relief. He asserted that discussions of substantial assistance have not translated into tangible results on the ground, and closures and restrictions persist. He emphasized the need to secure political, financial, and economic support for genuine reconstruction that aligns with Gaza’s reality, its residents’ culture, and their political objectives, without neglecting the fundamental political and national rights of the Palestinian people.
Qassem criticized what he termed a “clear omission” in the council’s announcement speeches, regarding the root cause of the problem: the ongoing occupation and its daily violations. He argued that neglecting the Palestinian narrative and the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people raises concerns about adopting a biased stance.
