Mohammed Nazzal, a member of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), criticized the ambiguity surrounding the tasks of the newly formed Global Peace Council, established to manage the transitional phase in the Gaza Strip. Nazzal clarified that the Council is now required to fulfill its legal and ethical responsibilities by compelling the Israeli occupation to implement the terms of the ceasefire agreement, emphasizing that the movement will not engage with any proposals that do not guarantee the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people.
In press statements, Nazzal indicated that the language of threats and intimidation adopted by some parties will not deter the resistance nor push it to make concessions that compromise national constants. He affirmed that all outstanding issues must be clearly presented at the negotiating table, away from the policy of dictates and pressures that the occupation attempts to exert to evade its direct obligations regarding de-escalation and reconstruction.
This stance comes concurrently with the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council in the American capital, Washington, chaired by Donald Trump, with the participation of 47 countries. Trump announced the allocation of $10 billion to support the Strip. Despite these financial promises, Nazzal considered that the true test of the Council lies in its ability to break the imposed siege and facilitate the entry of the Gaza administration committee to carry out its duties without Israeli obstacles.
On the humanitarian front, the Hamas leader stressed that the full reopening of the Rafah crossing is a top priority that cannot be postponed, describing current measures as extremely slow and insufficient to meet the needs of the population. He explained that reconstruction efforts require a comprehensive vision that goes beyond mere rhetorical statements, especially given the destruction of 90% of the Strip's infrastructure, with an estimated cost of up to $70 billion.
Regarding the formation of the international stabilization force, Nazzal revealed serious reservations that prevent this force from becoming a tool to impose the occupation's will within Gaza, affirming that participating countries reject any infringement on Palestinian sovereignty. He considered that any deviation from peacekeeping tasks would put the American administration and the occupation in a political and field predicament, complicating an already tense situation since the issuance of Security Council Resolution 2803.
Nazzal reminded that the Israeli occupation continues to procrastinate in implementing about 80% of the provisions of the first phase of the October 2025 agreement, which reinforces the state of distrust in international promises. He affirmed that the absence of Palestinian representation in the Council, and the refusal of major powers such as Russia, China, and Britain to join it, raises major questions about the legitimacy and ability of this body to achieve sustainable peace.
Nazzal concluded his statements by emphasizing that any successful political path must begin with a comprehensive cessation of aggression, lifting the siege, and guaranteeing the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people. He called on the Peace Council to focus on practical solutions that end the suffering of more than two million Palestinians in Gaza, who have made immense sacrifices, amounting to over 72,000 martyrs and 171,000 injured during the harsh years of war.
The language of threats does not intimidate us, and the Peace Council must demonstrate its ability to make real commitments and bring about tangible change on the ground, away from dictates.
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Hamas Leader: Peace Council's Tasks Lack Clarity, We Won't Succumb to Threats