DOHA: A Hamas source close to the group’s negotiating committee told AFP on Sunday that it will not participate in post-war Gaza governance, as world leaders prepare to converge on Egypt for a Gaza peace summit.
The source’s comments come days after an Israel-Hamas ceasefire came into effect, and as both sides discuss implementing US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war, which calls for Hamas’ disarmament and for the group not to be involved in running post-war Gaza.
“For Hamas, the governance of the Gaza Strip is a closed issue. Hamas will not participate at all in the transitional phase, which means it has relinquished control of the Strip, but it remains a fundamental part of the Palestinian fabric,” the source told AFP, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.
Unlike other more top-heavy militant organizations in the region, Hamas’ leadership has in the past been divided on key issues, including on the future administration of Gaza.
But where there appears to be no division among top members is on the question of disarmament, which the group has long described as a red line.
