Hamas Sets Conditions for Political Process and Formation of New Police Force in Gaza with International Support

Hamas affirmed in an official statement issued on Thursday that any political vision or future arrangements concerning the Gaza Strip must be fundamentally based on a comprehensive cessation of Israeli aggression. The movement stressed the necessity of fully lifting the blockade and ensuring the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the right to self-determination and freedom.

These positions came in response to the launch of the first session of the Peace Council in Washington D.C., which aims to lay out a roadmap for the reconstruction of Gaza and the establishment of stability. The movement indicated that the international community is required to take practical steps that compel the occupation to cease its continuous violations of the ceasefire agreement and open crossings without restrictions.

In a related field context, the National Committee for Gaza Strip Affairs announced the opening of applications to join the new Palestinian police force. This step aims to strengthen civil administration and provide security in the Strip, which has suffered extensive destruction due to the ongoing war, coinciding with diplomatic activity in Washington.

The committee set conditions for applicants, including being residents of the Gaza Strip, aged between 18 and 35, with a clean criminal record and high physical fitness. The committee launched an electronic link to receive applications, emphasizing that the door is open to qualified men and women to serve their community in these exceptional circumstances.

For his part, Nikolay Mladenov, the envoy tasked with post-war coordination, revealed that the first hours of opening applications saw a large turnout, with about two thousand Palestinians registering their names. He explained that there is a genuine desire among Gaza's youth to contribute to maintaining internal security and rebuilding national institutions.

In the same context, Major General Jasper Jeffers, commander of the multinational peacekeeping force, stated that the strategic plan aims to train and qualify about 12,000 Palestinian police officers. This force will be responsible for enforcing public order in all areas of the Strip, within an international vision aimed at ensuring sustainable stability.

Regarding financial support, US President Donald Trump announced the United States' pledge of a massive financial contribution of up to $10 billion to support peace on the borders. This funding aims to accelerate reconstruction efforts and provide the necessary infrastructure for the return of normal life to the devastated Strip.

The Peace Council meeting also witnessed extensive Arab and international pledges, with the United Arab Emirates announcing a contribution of $1.2 billion to support the Council's efforts. For its part, Qatar pledged $1 billion, while Saudi Arabia announced a contribution of $1 billion to be disbursed over the next few years.

Contributions were not limited to financial aspects, as Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed his country's readiness to send eight thousand soldiers to participate in an international security force. This force aims to provide a safe environment that allows civil institutions and local police to carry out their duties without military interference.

In terms of logistical and educational support, Uzbekistan pledged to help rebuild schools, hospitals, and childcare facilities damaged during the war. The King of Bahrain also announced the provision of necessary expertise to build an advanced government digital services platform to facilitate transactions for citizens in Gaza.

For its part, Egypt affirmed its determination to continue training Palestinian police cadres to ensure their efficiency in maintaining internal security. Official sources indicated that Cairo has extensive experience in this field and will work to transfer it to new recruits to ensure the professionalism of the new security apparatus.

Turkey and Morocco also joined the support efforts, with Ankara offering to contribute to the health and education sectors and police training, in addition to providing stabilization forces. Morocco, meanwhile, expressed its readiness to send police personnel and train local cadres, along with establishing a military field hospital to provide urgent medical care.

Kuwait also announced a donation of $1 billion to the Peace Council, joining the list of major donors seeking to alleviate humanitarian suffering. These donations come within a coordinated international effort aimed at transforming Gaza from a conflict zone into an area experiencing economic growth and security stability.

Hamas concluded its statement by emphasizing that any genuine international effort must address the root causes of the problem, namely the occupation and its aggressive policies. The movement called on mediators and international parties to fulfill their responsibilities in implementing agreements and preventing the occupation from obstructing urgent humanitarian and political entitlements.

Any political path or arrangements discussed regarding the Gaza Strip and the future of our people must stem from a complete cessation of aggression and the lifting of the blockade.