Hamas Demands Israeli Withdrawal from Gaza as Ceasefire Talks Continue

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, a Hamas official speaking to Reuters emphasized that Israel must implement the first stage of any agreement by withdrawing its forces from the Gaza Strip immediately upon mutual consent on the text of the agreement.

The official further elaborated that a Palestinian national committee and an international force should be stationed in Gaza, following which armed groups supported by Israel must be dismantled. This Hamas official added that the movement would hand over its weapons for storage under the responsibility of the Palestinian national committee, contingent upon Israel’s agreement to the terms.

Previously, Ghazi Hamad, a member of the Hamas negotiating delegation, told Al Jazeera that recent talks among Palestinian factions in Sharm El Sheikh were arduous and complex, with the Palestinian delegation striving to reach the most optimal formula. He underscored that Hamas remains committed to its national objectives, including safeguarding the rights of the Palestinian people.

Regarding the issue of weapons, Hamad stated that this matter is inseparable from other issues, such as the withdrawal of the Israeli regime from the Gaza Strip and the reconstruction process of the region, and should be examined within a broader framework.