Ahead of the next ceasefire stage, Hamas shows willingness to put weapons aside

Gaza: Hamas has given an important signal before the next phase of the ongoing cease-fire agreement in Gaza. A senior leader of the organization has said that if there is a need to maintain peace in a new agreement with Israel, they are ready to negotiate on temporarily “freezing” their weapons or keeping them “stored” in safe places. This stance has come at a time when the second and most difficult phase of this US-brokered agreement is about to begin.

Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas's political bureau, speaking to The Associated Press in Doha, said the organization was ready to discuss any comprehensive solution that could prevent a resurgence of tensions. He said that the objective should be to ensure that no conflict or explosive situation arises in the future.

Negotiations moving towards difficult phase

This statement of Naeem has come at such a juncture when both Israel and Hamas are going to negotiate on those points that are considered to be the most complex part of the agreement. In the first phase, both sides had exchanged prisoners and hostages. Now only the remains of one Israeli policeman are said to exist in Gaza.

The ceasefire began after a long military operation that Israel launched in response to the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023. More than 1,200 people were killed in the attack and more than 250 were taken hostage. After this, a large part of Gaza was destroyed in Israeli action and more than 70 thousand Palestinians died.

Why is the second phase considered difficult?

The coming period is challenging because consensus will have to be reached on many important issues. These include proposals like the appointment of an international security force in Gaza, the formation of a technical committee for administration, the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of weapons by Hamas. There is a possibility of forming an international board to monitor these points, which will be commanded by US President Trump.

Hamas's position on weapons

Israel is adamant that the way for any permanent agreement will be clear only if Hamas completely gives up its arms. Naim said that the organization maintains the “right of resistance,” but if a real peace process lasting five to ten years is initiated and the Palestinian side guarantees it, then freezing or storing weapons can be considered.

Naim made it clear that the basis of any decision should be Palestinian consent and long-term stability. The talks in the coming days will decide how both sides balance these difficult conditions.