Hamas agrees to form independent national committee for running Gaza

Egypt Today

09-03-2025

File- The massacres in al-Mawasi region, the area designated as a humanitarian zone in Western Khan younis- photo from Palestinian journalists in Gaza
CAIRO – 9 March 2025: Hamas delegation in Cairo praises Egypt's mediation efforts, agreeing to a Community Support Committee, composed of independent national figures, to manage the Gaza Strip until Palestinian reconciliation is achieved and general elections are held at all national presidential, and legislative levels.
The movement's approval came during a meeting for a delegation from the Hamas headed by Mohammed Darwish, Chairman of the movement's leadership council and head of the Egyptian General Intelligence Service, Major General Hassan Rashad, Hamas said in a statement on Sunday.
The meeting addressed several important issues in a positive and responsible manner, particularly the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the various stages of the prisoner exchange process.
The Hamas delegation expressed its gratitude and appreciation for Egypt's efforts in the past period, especially in countering displacement plans. It also welcomed the outcomes of the Arab Summit, particularly the plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, and reaffirmed the Palestinian people's inalienable rights.
The delegation stressed the need to adhere to all terms of the agreement, to move immediately to the second phase of negotiations, and to open the border crossings to allow the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip.
Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Friday to discuss the continuation of the ceasefire agreement.
Hamas announced on Saturday that there are "positive indications" regarding the negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement with Israel in the Gaza Strip.
The negotiations continue while Israel has halted the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza since March 2, the day after the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which took effect on January 19, expired.
Meanwhile, Israel is set to send a delegation to the Qatari capital, Doha, on Monday to advance talks regarding Gaza ceasefire, according to an announcement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office today.
The Israeli delegation's visit comes in acceptance of an invitation from mediators.