Mohammed Nazzal, who is a member of Hamas' political bureau, noted that the organization is ready for a truce with Israel lasting three to five years. At the same time, when asked by Reuters whether Hamas would lay down its weapons, he replied that “it can neither answer yes nor deny it.” According to the organization's representative, it depends on the nature of the project and who will receive the weapons.
The Hamas member also said that the organization will remain in the Gaza Strip for now. — This is a transitional phase. There will be civilian technical administration. Hamas will also be present on site, he said, adding that elections should be held after a transitional phase.
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Hamas did not return all the bodies of the hostages. Israel's response
Hamas must follow Donald Trump's plan and disarm unconditionally, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said on Friday, responding to Mohammed Nazzal's statement. The statement also states that the organization has failed to fulfill its obligation to hand over the bodies of all the killed hostages, even though it knows where the remains are.
The Palestinian organization maintains that it has technical problems with the release of all the bodies. Hamas announced that it would hand over the body of another hostage late on Friday evening.
Ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Strong declarations from the US and Israel
A ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas has been in place in the Gaza Strip since October 10. The first stage involves a cessation of fighting, a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops, an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners and an increase in humanitarian aid. Most of these points have been implemented. However, Hamas has so far returned nine of the 28 bodies of the killed hostages.
The second stage of the plan presented by US President Donald Trump includes, among others: the laying down of weapons by Hamas, the transfer of power in the Gaza Strip to an interim Palestinian administration under international supervision, the creation of stabilization forces and the reconstruction of this territory.
Donald Trump and the Israeli authorities have repeatedly emphasized that Hamas must be disarmed. Representatives of the group said they were willing to give up power, but not weapons. The American leader also suggested this week that he agreed to let Hamas serve as a temporary security force in the Gaza Strip.
