Hamas Leader: The Peace Council's Duties are Ambiguous and the Language of Threats Will Not Intimidate Us
A Hamas official criticized the recent U.S. Peace Council meeting, claiming that its responsibilities regarding Gaza remain unclear and that threats against Hamas will not deter their stance.
Mohammad Nazal, a member of the political bureau of Hamas, expressed concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding the duties of the newly formed Global Peace Council in relation to Gaza. He stated that there is a pressing need for the council to enforce clear obligations on Israel to comply with the ceasefire agreement. Nazal emphasized that the council must demonstrate its capability to foster real commitments towards Gaza, especially after two years marked by a series of crises and worsening humanitarian conditions.
During his interview with Al Jazeera Mubasher, Nazal stressed that Hamas is not intimidated by threats, asserting that all matters should be subject to negotiations. He rejected any form of pressure or imposed conditions, suggesting that the occupying forces are attempting to achieve their objectives by exerting pressure on other parties instead of fulfilling their direct commitments. This reflects Hamas's firm stance on seeking a negotiated resolution rather than succumbing to outside pressures.
The context of Nazal's comments comes amid the first meeting of the Peace Council held in Washington, where U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed America's and the international community's commitment to improving conditions in Gaza. Trump announced a significant financial commitment of $10 billion through the Peace Council aimed at improving governance and making Gaza a better place. However, the effectiveness of these efforts remains to be seen, especially in light of Hamas's reservations about the council's authority and intentions.