Hamas to surrender control of Gaza – report

Hamas claims it is preparing to yield control of the Gaza Strip after the war with Israel as part of Trump’s peace deal.

By World Israel News Staff

Hamas is prepared to relinquish control of the Gaza Strip and forgo a role in the post-war governance of the coastal enclave, a senior Hamas terrorist said on Sunday, in accordance with President Donald Trump’s comprehensive peace deal.

Speaking with AFP on condition of anonymity ahead of Trump’s visit to the region, the Hamas official said that the terror group has accepted the conditions of the US-backed agreement ending the war in Gaza, including those distancing Hamas not only from direct control of post-war Gaza but even from an indirect role in its administration.

“Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly, or in any form,” reads the text of the American proposal.

While Israel and Hamas agreed last week to implement the first phase of the Trump administration’s proposed deal – including the return of all Israeli hostages, a ceasefire in Gaza, and a partial IDF withdrawal – the full peace plan has yet to be adopted.

Hamas has sought assurances from the US that Israel will not be permitted to resume the war after the hostages are returned on Monday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled that Israel will move forward with the peace deal if Hamas abides by it – including the full disarmament of the terror group and demolition of its entire terror tunnel infrastructure – while warning that the IDF would resume hostilities if Hamas deviates from the agreement.

Speaking with AFP, the senior Hamas official said the terror group is prepared to cede control of Gaza, which Hamas has ruled since 2007.

“For Hamas, governing the Gaza Strip is a closed matter. Hamas will not take part in the transitional phase, meaning that it has given up control of the Strip but remains an integral part of Palestinian society,” the Hamas official said.

However, Hamas has so far contested the clause demanding the “demilitarization” of Gaza, arguing that the group is not obligated to fully disarm and suggesting it would only hand over its weapons to a future Palestinian state.