Hamas Sets New Conditions, Rejects Peace Council's Call to Begin Disarmament Process

Nearly three years after the October 7 attacks, Hamas has rejected the Peace Council's demand to start implementing 15 points and begin disarmament. Hamas claims Israel has not fulfilled all its commitments in the first phase. The Peace Council stated that the process could begin once Israel fully implements its obligations, including halting targeted killings and unnecessary military actions, and maintaining operations only along the official "yellow line." For eight days, the IDF refrained from proactive strikes except for defensive actions along this line. Despite this, Hamas refused to start the process and denied Israeli claims of violations by the group.

Hamas has set several new conditions for commencing the implementation of the 15 points. These include reopening the Rafah crossing, a complete cessation of IDF fire, and starting physical reconstruction in Gaza with heavy machinery. The group also demands the entry of ISF forces to monitor the ceasefire and the establishment of an international supervisory committee involving Turkey and Qatar. Additionally, Hamas has stopped payments to companies and suppliers in Gaza and cut salaries of civilian government employees, citing depleted resources and inability to pay debts. One key demand is that the Peace Council assume responsibility for paying civilian debts on Hamas's behalf.

Currently, the dispute over Hamas's conditions is delaying the start of the disarmament process, although the Peace Council maintains that Israel has already met its required conditions.