DayofPal—A spokesperson for said Israel’s demand to disarm Gaza factions is blocking ceasefire progress and contradicts the plan proposed by Donald Trump.
In remarks to Anadolu Agency following meetings in Cairo, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem stated that moving to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement remains contingent upon full implementation of the initial phase.
He stressed that introducing the disarmament issue at this stage undermines trust and complicates negotiations.
According to Qassem, Hamas has adhered to its obligations, particularly the release of Israeli captives, while Israel has failed to meet humanitarian commitments and has continued military operations in the Gaza Strip.
The original proposal, unveiled by Trump in September 2025, outlined a multi-phase plan including a ceasefire, partial Israeli withdrawal, prisoner exchanges, and the daily entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Hamas officials argue that Israel’s current position deviates from both the spirit and the letter of that plan, particularly by linking further progress to disarmament demands.
Qassem also pointed to ongoing diplomatic engagement involving regional and international actors, including Egyptian officials and representatives associated with the Peace Council.
However, he criticized mediators for failing to exert sufficient pressure on Israel to comply with earlier commitments.
The impasse comes amid heightened rhetoric within the Israeli government. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for the reoccupation of Gaza and the reestablishment of Israeli settlements there, further complicating the already fragile negotiations.
On the humanitarian front, conditions in the Gaza Strip remain dire as restrictions on aid delivery and border crossings continue to exacerbate the crisis.
The Palestinian Red Crescent reports that only a limited number of patients have been able to leave the enclave for medical treatment since the partial reopening of the Rafah crossing, leaving thousands still awaiting evacuation.
Since the outbreak of the genocide in October 2023, the war has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure across Gaza.
Hamas maintains that addressing urgent humanitarian needs, including medical aid, shelter, and the reopening of crossings, must take precedence over contentious political demands if negotiations are to succeed.
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