Khalil al-Hayya, a member of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in Gaza, confirmed that the war with the Israeli occupation is over, pointing to Israel’s failure to achieve its objectives over the past two years. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he added that the movement will not give the occupation any excuse to resume its aggression, noting that Hamas handed over 20 Israeli prisoners within 72 hours of the ceasefire, along with 17 of the 28 bodies of Israeli prisoners, while the search for the remaining bodies continues.
Israel failed to achieve its objectives
Al-Hayya explained in televised statements to Al Jazeera that Hamas has no reservations about a national administration for Gaza and will hand over all administrative powers to the committee responsible, including security. He added that there is agreement with Fatah and other Palestinian factions on the deployment of international forces to monitor the ceasefire, and confirmed the UN’s role in reconstruction without interference in internal administration.
Hamas outlines plan for elections, reconstruction, and national unity
However, on the issue of elections, Al-Hayya confirmed that Hamas seeks to hold elections as a step toward reuniting the Palestinian national ranks, stressing that the Palestinian people want a single authority and government. He added that the movement had assured U.S. envoys Steve Whitcomb and Jared Kushner that Hamas supports stability, and that former U.S. President Donald Trump could play a role in deterring the Israeli occupation.
Regarding weapons, Al-Hayya affirmed that Hamas’ arms are tied to the occupation and aggression, and that once the occupation ends, they will come under the authority of the state. He explained that the issue of weapons remains under discussion with the factions and mediators, and that the movement will not take any position outside the framework of Palestinian national consensus.
On the humanitarian front, Al-Hayya stressed that Gaza needs 6,000 aid trucks daily, while only 600 currently enter, warning that the continued disruption in the delivery of basic materials could violate the agreement and worsen civilian suffering. He added that ongoing humanitarian violations affect daily life and hinder reconstruction efforts.
Al-Hayya also affirmed that Hamas accepts the presence of UN forces to monitor the ceasefire and separate the parties, and that the issue of prisoners is a national one par excellence, with efforts continuing to secure the release of all Palestinian detainees despite the occupation’s intransigence regarding some names.
He concluded by emphasising that Hamas seeks to maintain national stability in Gaza, and that any efforts to rebuild or administer the Strip must involve coordination with Palestinian factions and uphold national rights. He reiterated that the Palestinian people want a single authority and a unified government to ensure national unity.
