Hamas: We’re not seeking Gaza control, open to national agreement

Hamas confirmed on Saturday evening that it does not seek to govern the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that any future arrangements should be based on national consensus.

In a press statement, Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif al-Qanou stated that the movement "is ready to implement any arrangements that enjoy national agreement, and it is not interested in being part of them."

Al-Qanou pointed out that Hamas had agreed to form a community support committee in Gaza, which would not include any representatives from the movement, stressing that "Hamas does not aspire to govern the sector, but focuses on achieving national consensus and adhering to its outcomes."

Regarding negotiations, al-Qanou explained that Hamas is discussing the proposal by U.S. envoy Steve Hanke, along with other ideas, and emphasized that "communications are ongoing to finalize a ceasefire agreement."

Al-Qanou accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being the main obstacle to implementing the agreement, arguing that his obstruction is part of efforts to preserve his government at the expense of prisoners and the implementation of understandings.

He added that the resumption of Israeli military operations in Gaza occurs "with support from the U.S. administration," urging Washington to avoid siding with one party in the conflict and to pressure Israel to resume the ceasefire agreement.

In terms of field developments, Hamas accused the Israeli military of escalating attacks on civilians in Gaza, pointing to intensified shelling of homes, residential neighborhoods, and shelters, amid a suffocating siege preventing the delivery of essential supplies such as food, water, medicine, and fuel.

The movement described these operations as "a flagrant and unprecedented violation of international laws," asserting that the ongoing actions reflect "contempt for humanitarian values and treaties designed to protect civilians during wartime."