Cairo: The Palestinian group Hamas announced on Thursday its readiness to engage in a national dialogue with all Palestinian factions. This development comes as delegations from Hamas and Fatah convene in Cairo, under Egyptian mediation, to deliberate on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the future governance of the enclave.
According to Anadolu Agency, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem emphasized the movement's willingness to engage in dialogue with "open hearts and extended hands" towards the Palestinian Authority and other national forces. He underscored the importance of the Palestinian Authority, describing it as an indispensable institution in the Palestinian framework.
Qassem called for the authorities to align with the national consensus prevailing in Gaza and to approach the dialogue with an open mind, stressing the need for national unity and prioritizing the broader national interest over partisan objectives. He cautioned that the current period poses significant risks not only for Hamas but also for the Palestinian people throughout Gaza and the West Bank.
The spokesperson reiterated Hamas' commitment to the Gaza ceasefire agreement, urging mediators to apply pressure on Israel to comply with the terms. He highlighted ongoing discussions within Hamas to finalize the agreement and significant measures being implemented to honor the commitments made.
Qassem mentioned that Hamas has received guarantees from Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and direct assurances from the United States that the conflict has effectively ended, and that full implementation of the agreement is essential for its conclusion. He noted that Hamas had fulfilled the first phase of the agreement by handing over living captives and remains, with efforts underway to complete the remaining obligations.
Regarding the second phase, Qassem indicated that it requires further discussions with mediators, as it involves complex issues necessitating detailed approaches. He emphasized that Hamas' primary goal is to achieve a lasting end to hostilities against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Qassem also highlighted ongoing reports to mediators concerning Israeli violations, pointing out that Israel has been responsible for killing 90 Palestinians since the ceasefire began and continues to keep the Rafah crossing closed, impeding aid delivery. He accused Israel of manipulating humanitarian conditions for political leverage, a practice he claims has persisted under the Gaza blockade, and called for immediate actions to facilitate aid entry and avert further humanitarian crises.
The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, brokered on October 10, includes the release of Israeli hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners, along with plans for Gaza's reconstruction and the establishment of a new governance framework excluding Hamas. Since October 2023, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 68,200 individuals and injuries to more than 170,300, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry.