The Hamas leadership reiterated its willingness to relinquish control of Gaza, a move that aligns with the outcomes of the Arab summit.
The summit clearly outlined the formation of a committee to manage the territory until the Palestinian Authority assumes full control.
Sources revealed that a senior Hamas delegation is expected to arrive in Cairo at any moment for further discussions on the Gaza situation, as well as to review Egypt's vision for the future of the territory and the details of the committee that will take over its administration.
The delegation will also focus on defining the next steps in the process.
Hazem Qassem, Hamas spokesperson, said on Thursday that mediators are continuing their efforts to ensure the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, including pushing Israel to begin negotiations on the second phase.
He emphasized that Hamas remains committed to all stages of the agreement and expressed hope that the ongoing mediation will lead to Israel fulfilling its obligations and completing the deal’s phases.
Mediators from Egypt and Qatar continue efforts to find creative solutions to bridge differences between Hamas and Israel over advancing a ceasefire and moving toward a full halt to the war.
Israel is primarily seeking to extend the first phase of the truce to secure the release of more hostages in Gaza, without offering clear guarantees of withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor.
The withdrawal was supposed to begin once the first phase ended, which officially concluded at midnight on Saturday-Sunday.
While Hamas had initially been open to extending the first phase of the truce, provided Israel committed to a full withdrawal and implemented the humanitarian protocol in full, the group has grown more adamant about launching negotiations for the second phase.
This stance aligns with the original agreement, which stipulated a phased transition, particularly as the Israeli government has refused to uphold its commitments and mediators have been unable to enforce them.
Senior Hamas sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that mediators are making relentless efforts around the clock to find solutions and bridge differences, aiming to sustain the ceasefire.
The group has conveyed to mediators—and even to the US—that its primary objective is to end the war entirely, with guarantees that Israel will withdraw from Gaza, including the Philadelphi Corridor.
According to the sources, mediators are operating a joint coordination room, maintaining continuous communication with Hamas leadership, the Israeli government, and US officials.
Hamas leaders have informed mediators in Qatar and Egypt, as well as the US, that they are ready to move forward with the agreement—but only with guarantees that their conditions are met.
These include a full cessation of hostilities, an Israeli withdrawal, reconstruction efforts, and the lifting of the blockade.
The sources accused Israel of stalling and maneuvering to buy time by prolonging the first phase, aiming to secure the release of its hostages without making significant concessions, aside from freeing Palestinian prisoners.
