Hamas says it remains committed to the Gaza ceasefire but warns that nearly 900 Israeli violations and plans for continued control are jeopardizing progress toward a second phase.
Senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad reiterated on Tuesday the movement’s full commitment to the Gaza ceasefire agreement, stating that Hamas is prepared to enter the second phase provided its terms are clearly defined and mutually agreed.
He warned, however, that persistent Israeli violations are eroding confidence and raising serious doubts about Tel Aviv’s intentions.
“Hamas has fully adhered to the agreement,” Hamad said, adding that “Israel” has committed nearly 900 violations since the ceasefire took effect. Such actions, he noted, undermine the credibility of the occupation’s stated commitment to advancing the agreement.
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Speaking to Russia’s RIA Novosti, Hamad said Hamas would only proceed with the second phase if all parties agree on its framework. He stressed that repeated violations not only breach the ceasefire but threaten its long-term viability.
On proposals for an international stabilization force in Gaza, Hamad described the idea as “positive” in principle, but emphasized that any such force must have a narrowly defined mandate limited to preserving the ceasefire and preventing provocations.
Over the weekend, a senior Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya met with Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin in Istanbul. Discussions focused on the implementation of the ceasefire, ensuring Israel’s compliance with the first phase, and laying the groundwork for the second.
Separately, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey held talks in Miami on Friday to assess the first phase of the ceasefire and prepare for the next stage. The meeting formed part of broader international efforts addressing post-war governance and reconstruction in Gaza.
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Since the ceasefire entered into force on October 10, Hamas says Israel has committed more than 900 violations, including bombardments, summary executions, and infrastructure destruction.
These actions have reportedly resulted in the killing of over 400 Palestinians, more than 95 percent of them civilians.
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli occupation forces have crossed the agreed buffer zone and restricted humanitarian aid under claims of “dual-use” concerns. An agreed-upon violations monitoring committee was never established, while the Rafah crossing remains closed, blocking the transfer of humanitarian cases.
Concerns Over Gaza’s Future
The second phase of the ceasefire envisions the withdrawal of occupation forces from areas defined by the “red line,” the launch of reconstruction efforts, and the possible deployment of an international stabilization force with a strictly limited mandate.
Hamas officials have repeatedly stressed that Palestinians will retain responsibility for internal security and reject any foreign administration or occupation presence in Gaza.
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The movement has also voiced strong opposition to external governance proposals advanced under a US-led plan endorsed by the UN Security Council, which envisions a foreign-led technocratic authority and security force overseeing Gaza during a two-year transitional period.
Critics argue that such arrangements undermine Palestinian self-determination and risk entrenching permanent foreign control.
(PC, Al Mayadeen)
