Hamas: Ready for Gaza deal phase two if ‘Israel’ stops violations

Senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad reaffirmed on Tuesday the movement’s full commitment to the Gaza ceasefire agreement, stressing readiness to enter the second phase under clearly defined and mutually agreed terms. Hamad warned that ongoing Israeli violations are undermining trust and casting serious doubt on Tel Aviv’s willingness to honor the deal.

“Hamas has complied fully with the agreement,” Hamad stated, noting that “Israel” has committed nearly 900 violations since the deal came into effect. These violations, he said, challenge the credibility of the occupation’s commitment to progressing with the next phase.

In remarks to Russia’s RIA Novosti, Hamad emphasized that Hamas would proceed with the second phase only if all parties agree on its framework. He highlighted that repeated violations not only breach the ceasefire but also threaten its long-term sustainability.

Addressing the potential deployment of an international stabilization force in Gaza, Hamad described the concept as “positive” but insisted on a narrowly defined mandate focused on preserving the ceasefire and preventing provocations.

Political, diplomatic engagements
Over the weekend, a senior Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya met with Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin in Istanbul. The talks centered on the ceasefire’s implementation, ensuring the occupation’s adherence to the first phase, and laying the groundwork for the second phase.

Separately, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey convened in Miami on Friday to evaluate the ceasefire’s first phase and prepare for the next stage. The meeting aligns with broader international efforts to facilitate post-conflict governance and reconstruction in Gaza.

Israeli violations, shifting objectives
Since the Gaza ceasefire agreement entered into force on October 11, “Israel” has committed over 900 violations, according to Hamas. These include bombardments, summary executions, and the destruction of infrastructure, resulting in the martyrdom of more than 400 Palestinians, over 95% of whom were civilians.

Despite the ceasefire, occupation forces have crossed the designated buffer zone and blocked humanitarian aid from entering Gaza under the pretext of “dual-use” concerns. Additionally, an agreed mechanism to form a violations committee was never honored by the occupation, and Rafah crossing remains closed, preventing the transfer of humanitarian cases.

Most importantly, recent statements by Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz suggest long-term plans for a continued military and settler presence in Gaza. Katz openly discussed resettling northern Gaza and emphasized what he called a “period of practical sovereignty,” further intensifying fears that the ceasefire is being used to consolidate control rather than achieve peace.

Concerns for Gaza’s future
The second phase of the ceasefire includes the withdrawal of occupation forces from areas demarcated by the “red line,” reconstruction efforts, and the potential deployment of an international stabilization force under a strictly defined mandate.

Hamas officials continue to stress that Palestinians will maintain responsibility for internal security and will not accept any foreign administration or occupation presence within Gaza.

Hamas leaders have also voiced strong opposition to external governance models proposed under the US-led peace plan. That plan, approved by the UN Security Council, envisions a foreign-led technocratic authority and security force to oversee Gaza during a two-year transitional period. Critics argue that such arrangements undermine Palestinian self-determination and risk entrenching permanent foreign control.