Hamas said Wednesday that negotiations on the next stage of the Gaza cease-fire agreement have achieved a "broad consensus," signaling potential progress in efforts by mediators to advance the second phase of the truce and address key outstanding issues.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said in a statement that discussions addressed the entry of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) and international forces to the enclave, as well as the issue of Palestinian weapons, "within a logical and acceptable approach for all parties."
The discussions led to a "broad consensus," he said, expressing hope that this will lead to developing a strategy to complete the first phase of the Gaza plan and enter the second phase.
He said Hamas is continuing its meetings with mediators and the Board of Peace’s lead envoy for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, to finalize discussions and establish a framework for implementing the ceasefire agreement.
"Hamas is demonstrating flexibility and a positive approach in dealing with various issues to reach agreements that prioritize the interests of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,” the spokesman said.
