Hamas Ready for Gaza Roadmap, Blames Israel for Delays
Hamas announced on Thursday its readiness to implement a "roadmap" for the Gaza Strip agreed upon with the "Peace Council," stating it has taken all necessary steps. The group accused the Israeli government of obstructing a ceasefire agreement and its associated path forward. Hamas urged the U.S. administration and the "Peace Council" to facilitate the entry of a technocratic committee and international forces into Gaza.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem asserted the movement's "complete readiness" for the roadmap, blaming "the occupation government's refusal to abide by the agreement, its escalation of aggression against the people of Gaza, and the inability of the Peace Council and its representative (Nikolay) Mladenov to compel the occupation to implement it."
Qassem stressed the need for relevant parties, particularly the U.S. and the "Peace Council," to act to allow a technocratic committee to begin its work in Gaza and to deploy international forces as stipulated in the ceasefire and roadmap.
Hamas's statement follows the "Peace Council," led by U.S. President Donald Trump, unveiling a $2.45 billion, six-month recovery plan for Gaza during a meeting in New York. Mladenov, the Council's Special Representative for Gaza, presented the plan, acknowledging that talks with Israel are difficult due to upcoming elections and political sensitivities. He noted progress is being made "slowly but surely."
The recovery plan includes 66 projects, such as temporary housing, debris removal, and infrastructure rehabilitation, including public transport. This is part of a broader roadmap that also involves disarmament in Gaza and an Israeli withdrawal, making the recovery's implementation contingent on progress in political and security arrangements.
An earlier U.S.-mediated ceasefire in October 2025 outlined a framework for Gaza's post-conflict phase, but Israel has since continued airstrikes and restricted the entry of reconstruction materials. The "Peace Council's" plan estimates Gaza's damages at $35.2 billion, with reconstruction needs at $71.4 billion.
