Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem confirmed on Friday that the movement does not object to the presence of an international peacekeeping force in Gaza, but it rejects any interference “in the internal affairs” of the Strip. Hamas stressed in a statement Thursday that any arrangements in the Gaza Strip must begin with a "complete cessation of Israeli aggression." The movement's response came in response to the holding of the first meeting of the "Peace Council", which was supervised earlier by US President Donald Trump.
Published on: 02/20/2026 - 10:55 Last updated: 02/20/2026 - 23:11
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Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said on Friday that the movement does not object to the presence of an international peacekeeping force in Gaza, but it rejects any interference “in the internal affairs” of the Strip.
Qassem told Agence France-Presse, "Our position on the international forces is clear: We want peacekeeping forces to monitor the ceasefire and ensure its implementation, and to form a barrier between the occupation army and our people in the Gaza Strip, and not to interfere in the internal affairs of Gaza."
In its first response after the peace council meeting chaired by Donald Trump in Washington, Hamas announced that any arrangements in the Gaza Strip must begin with a “complete cessation of aggression” by Israel.
Hamas stressed in a statement Thursday that “any political path or arrangements discussed regarding the Gaza Strip and the future of our Palestinian people must start from a complete cessation of aggression, lifting the siege, and guaranteeing the legitimate national rights of our people, first and foremost their right to freedom and self-determination.”
Read also: Peace Council meeting: Trump announces the collection of billions of dollars for Gaza and a number of countries pledge to send forces
Trump had opened the work of the “Peace Council” with pledges from several countries to provide financial and human contributions for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, destroyed by two years of war between Israel and Hamas.
Despite the ceasefire entering into force in Gaza on October 10, bloody Israeli strikes on the Strip continue on an almost daily basis, while Israel and Hamas exchange accusations of violating the truce.
The second phase of Trump's plan calls for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces that control about half of the Strip, and the deployment of an international stabilization force.
Read also: What is the peace council headed by Trump... and will it eliminate the role of the United Nations?
"Continuing occupation crimes"
Hamas stressed that “holding this session in light of the occupation’s continued crimes and ongoing violations of the ceasefire agreement requires the international community, and the parties participating in the Council, to take practical steps that oblige the occupation to stop its aggression, open the crossings, bring in humanitarian aid without restrictions, and immediately begin reconstruction.”
France 24/AFP
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