Hamas Surprises Mediators: We Are Ready to Hand Over Gaza in Its Entirety—The Obstacle Is Not Palestinian
New Statements Reveal the Movement's Willingness to Transfer Civil Administration and Security Responsibilities to the National Committee, While Accusing Washington and Tel Aviv of Obstructing the Implementation of Agreements
NYN | Reports and Analyses
Hamas has reaffirmed its full readiness to transfer the administration of the Gaza Strip to the agreed-upon Palestinian National Committee, including responsibility for all civil and security affairs, in what the movement described as a step aimed at facilitating governance in the territory and ending the current state of paralysis.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said that accelerating the entry of the National Committee into the Gaza Strip and enabling it to begin carrying out its responsibilities was a central topic during the latest rounds of talks held in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.
Qassem stated that Hamas had expressed its willingness to hand over all governing and administrative powers to the National Committee, including responsibility for the security file. He emphasized that the movement is committed to providing every necessary facilitation to ensure the committee can successfully perform its duties in the Gaza Strip.
Commitment to the Transfer of Authority
The Hamas spokesperson stressed that the movement is placing no obstacles in the way of transferring administrative authority, affirming that its position remains firmly committed to supporting any Palestinian national arrangements that would alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s residents and strengthen Palestinian unity.
Criticism of the U.S.-Backed Council
At the same time, Qassem criticized what he described as the failure of the body known as the “Peace Council” to facilitate the National Committee’s entry into Gaza despite several months having passed since its establishment. He argued that the continued delay raises serious questions about the commitment of the initiative’s sponsors.
He further claimed that the council’s inability to act reflects its alignment with Israeli positions and its lack of genuine political will to end the war or lift the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip. He also questioned its ability to lead reconstruction efforts or provide practical solutions to Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
Calls to End the Blockade
Hamas stressed that the immediate priority should be bringing military operations to an end and lifting the blockade on the Gaza Strip, while enabling the nationally agreed Palestinian bodies to administer Gaza’s affairs free from external pressures or political considerations.
