A senior Hamas leader has stated the group is conducting a thorough evaluation of the newly announced ‘Peace Council,’ emphasizing that judgment will be based on tangible actions rather than statements or media headlines. The true measure of the council’s effectiveness, according to Taysir Suleiman, lies in its ability to deliver concrete results on the ground.
Speaking to DZWatch, Suleiman articulated key demands, including the consolidation of the ceasefire, cessation of Israeli aggression, opening of border crossings, and the provision of aid to the Gaza Strip. He noted that the omission of Gaza from the council’s charter raises legitimate questions. However, he stressed that Hamas will formulate its final position based on practical outcomes in the coming days, particularly regarding the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement and the cessation of ongoing Israeli violations.
The Hamas leader underscored the immediate priorities as restraining Israeli violations and facilitating the work of the nationally agreed-upon committee responsible for managing civil affairs in Gaza. He alleged that Israel continues to obstruct this committee by preventing the entry of essential medicines, supplies, and building materials, hindering reconstruction efforts and fundraising initiatives.
Addressing cautious European reactions to the council, Suleiman observed tensions in relations between the United States and European nations. He suggested that numerous pronouncements and procedural formalities do not necessarily translate into genuine implementation on the ground. He acknowledged the right of any nation to demand constitutional or legal adjustments it deems appropriate, adding that the resistance and Palestinian factions will assess these positions in the coming period.
Suleiman concluded by stating that the council’s primary task, if it aspires to be effective, is to solidify the existing agreement between the resistance and the occupation, support the administrative committee in Gaza, and ensure the transition to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, particularly in light of what he described as widespread Israeli violations. He pointed out that since the announcement of the ceasefire, the Israeli occupation has committed violations.
