(TJV NEWS) Hamas plans to retain security control in Gaza during an interim period and has not committed to disarming, a senior official of the group told Reuters, underscoring the challenges facing U.S. efforts to end the conflict and stabilize the region.

In an interview from Doha, Hamas politburo member Mohammed Nazzal told Reuters that the organization is prepared to agree to a ceasefire lasting up to five years to allow for the reconstruction of Gaza. He emphasized, however, that any long-term guarantees would depend on the Palestinian people being given what he called “horizons and hope” for eventual statehood.

As Reuters reported, Nazzal defended Hamas’ controversial actions in Gaza — including recent public executions — saying such measures were “exceptional” and limited to wartime conditions. Those executed, he claimed, were “criminals guilty of killing.”

Pressure Over Disarmament

The remarks, Reuters noted, reflect the significant hurdles remaining as negotiators attempt to solidify the fragile ceasefire agreement reached earlier this month. The U.S. peace plan led by President Donald Trump calls for Hamas to disarm, release all hostages, and transfer governance of Gaza to a technocratic body under international supervision.

In response to Nazzal’s comments, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office told Reuters that Israel continues to uphold the terms of the ceasefire but accused Hamas of failing to comply. “Hamas is supposed to release all hostages in stage one. It has not,” the statement read. “Hamas knows where the bodies of our hostages are… Hamas needs to adhere to the 20-point plan. They are running out of time.”

Trump’s plan, unveiled on September 29, requires Hamas to return all hostages before beginning the disarmament process and ceding power in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed the proposal, saying it would dismantle Hamas militarily and politically, ensuring Gaza could never again pose a threat to Israel.

According to Israeli figures cited by Reuters, Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 others during the October 7, 2023 attacks. In response, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have killed nearly 68,000 people, according to local authorities.

Nazzal: “It Depends on the Project”

When asked by Reuters whether Hamas would relinquish its weapons, Nazzal avoided a direct answer. “I can’t answer with a yes or no,” he said. “It depends on the nature of the project. The disarmament project you’re talking about — what does it mean? To whom will the weapons be handed over?”

He added that any discussion about weapons would need to involve all Palestinian factions, not just Hamas, and would require a collective decision from the Palestinian people.

At the White House, officials referred Reuters to President Trump’s latest comments, in which he said he expected Hamas to honor its commitments. Trump confirmed that the group had returned more of the deceased hostages’ bodies but did not elaborate on the issue of disarmament.

Nazzal said Hamas had no interest in holding on to the bodies of those killed on October 7 and had already returned nine of the 28 bodies. He said efforts were ongoing, with assistance potentially from international parties including Turkey and the U.S.

Reuters reported that Turkey has agreed to join a joint task force — alongside Israel, the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt — to locate the remaining bodies.

Transitional Phase and Long-Term Goals

Nazzal told Reuters that Hamas’ continued presence in Gaza during the transition is intended to maintain order and protect aid convoys from armed gangs. “This is a transitional phase,” he said. “Civilly, there will be a technocratic administration. On the ground, Hamas will be present.”

He said the group expects elections to follow the transitional period but denied any current talks regarding an international stabilization force — an idea included in Trump’s ceasefire plan.

Hamas’ original charter called for Israel’s destruction, but its leaders have in recent years floated the idea of a long-term truce in exchange for a viable Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders. Israel, as Reuters pointed out, views this as a strategic deception.

Nazzal told Reuters that Hamas seeks a three- to five-year truce, not as preparation for another war but to rebuild Gaza. “The goal isn’t to prepare for a future war,” he said. “The Palestinian people want an independent Palestinian state.”