Hamas announces: Our weapon is simple and open for discussion... and consensus is the path to Gaza's future
In its first reaction after the leaders of dozens of countries signed a ceasefire document between Israel and Hamas during the Sharm El Sheikh summit in Egypt, Hamas announced yesterday evening that the arrangements for the "day after" in the Gaza Strip should be built on a comprehensive national consensus that ensures the participation of all Palestinian forces in shaping the future of the sector.
* Call for National Partnership
Hazem Qassem, the movement's spokesperson, stated that Hamas calls for "shaping the future of Gaza in a way that serves the public interest and enhances national unity," emphasizing the necessity of involving all Palestinian factions in the upcoming phase.
* "The weapons file is solvable"
In one of the most prominent statements, Qassem confirmed that the issue of Hamas's weapons is "thorny and complicated but solvable," clarifying that what the movement possesses is "simple weapons that have been exaggerated in the media."
He pointed out that addressing this issue must be within a comprehensive national approach, respecting "the right of Palestinians to defend themselves," adding that there are several approaches that can ensure security and stability without removing this right.
* A truce with the Authority and readiness to open a new page
In this context, Qassem affirmed that Hamas does not wish to enter into new crises with the Palestinian Authority, indicating that the movement is ready to open a new page with it at this sensitive stage of the Palestinian cause.
* Cautious field movements
Hamas has begun, since the ceasefire agreement came into effect last Friday, a gradual redeployment of its members in the streets of Gaza, amid great caution in anticipation of any sudden collapse of the truce, according to two security sources in the sector who spoke to Reuters.
The movement also deployed yesterday elements from the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades - its military wing - during the process of handing over the living Israeli prisoners who had been held since the attack on October 7, 2023.
* 'The "day after" plan: Gaza without weapons... under Palestinian management with international supervision
These movements come in light of the implementation of the terms of the plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump last month, which was agreed upon between Israel and Hamas with Egyptian, Qatari, and American mediation, and with Turkish participation.
_ The plan stipulates:
• Hamas relinquishing power in the Gaza Strip.
• Making Gaza demilitarized.
• Management of the sector by a Palestinian committee under international supervision.
• Deploying an international mission to maintain stability.
• Training and supporting Palestinian police forces to ensure security.
* Gaza's future: Open to many possibilities
As the parties begin to implement the understandings, Gaza's future remains contingent on the political and field agreements among the Palestinian factions, amid international monitoring of whether this phase will be a gateway to achieving long-term peace or a prelude to a new round of conflict.
