DaysofPal- The Hamas movement said Monday that the main goals of its recent talks with US President Donald Trump’s envoy and mediators from Egypt and Qatar were to secure an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, end the current war, and begin the reconstruction process.
Hamas spokesman Abdul-Latif al-Qanu emphasized the movement’s flexibility in these discussions, stating, “We dealt flexibly with the efforts of the mediators and Trump’s envoy, and we await the results of the upcoming negotiations and obligating the occupation to the agreement and moving to the second phase.”
He added, “The negotiations held with the Egyptian and Qatari mediators and Trump’s envoy are based on ending the war, withdrawal, and reconstruction.” Al-Qanu further clarified that Hamas is fully committed to the “first phase of the agreement,” which, at present, focuses on providing shelter and aid to Palestinians in Gaza and ensuring a permanent ceasefire.
Adam Boehler, US President Donald Trump’s envoy for Israeli prisoners, called the discussions with Hamas “very helpful” in an interview with CNN on Sunday. He said, “I think there is hope, and you can see something like a long-term truce, where hostages are released and Hamas gives up its weapons, and I think this is a very close reality.”
Boehler also confirmed reports that Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer was upset about his talks with Hamas, stating, “I understand the alarm and concern, but I was not alarmed.” He added, “We are the United States; we are not agents of Israel, and we have specific interests in the game.”
In response to Israeli actions, al-Qanu stated that measures like tightening the siege on Gaza, closing crossings, and blocking aid are meant to force Palestinians to emigrate, calling them “pipe dreams.”
He also criticized Israeli plans for renewed military action and the decision to cut off Gaza’s electricity, which has been largely halted since October 7, 2023, describing these actions as “failed options” that jeopardize Israeli prisoners, who he said could only be released through negotiations.
This statement followed Israel’s decision to immediately cut off Gaza’s electricity supply, even though power supplies had been cut off since the war began in October 2023.
Hamas also reiterated that completing negotiations is the only viable path to recovering prisoners. The movement condemned Israel for violating the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, especially as an Israeli negotiating delegation was en route to Doha.
According to Hamas, the Israeli withdrawal was supposed to be completed by the 50th day of the ceasefire agreement, which fell on Sunday, but this did not happen.
The movement stated that Israel’s failure to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor as stipulated in the agreement represents a blatant violation and an attempt to sabotage the process. Hamas emphasized that Israel’s continuous violations highlight its disregard for agreements and international obligations.
Hamas urged mediators and the international community to intervene immediately to ensure Israel’s withdrawal and resume the second phase of negotiations.
Hamas concluded by emphasizing that “adherence to the agreement and completion of the negotiations is the only way to recover the prisoners,” adding that any delay on Israel’s part would amount to manipulation of the prisoners’ fate and their families’ feelings.
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