Hamas has issued a strong statement insisting that any discussions about the future of the Gaza Strip must begin with an end to what they term Israeli 'aggression.' This demand comes in light of a meeting held by U.S. President Donald Trump with his newly-formed peace council. Hamas argues that the framework for discussions regarding the future rights and freedoms of the Palestinian people hinges directly on this cessation of violence. They also call for the lifting of the blockade on Gaza to secure fundamental freedoms for the Palestinian population.

In their announcement, Hamas highlighted that the current conditions are not conducive to peace talks, citing ongoing military actions and restrictions impacting their community. They noted that under the recent ceasefire agreement signed four months prior, Hamas was supposed to disarm as part of the next steps in the process, which has not yet occurred. Instead, reports suggest that Hamas is rebuilding its presence in Gaza, potentially complicating the conflict and any subsequent negotiations.

As the Trump administration's council convened in Washington, the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict were further analyzed, with several nations participating in the discussion. The insistence from Hamas to stop attacks before engaging in dialogues reflects the ongoing tensions and the challenging path ahead for peace initiatives in the region. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for future negotiations and the region's stability.