Discussions on Gaza’s future must begin with a total halt to Israeli “aggression,” the Hamas terror group says, after US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace met yesterday for the first time.
“Any political process or any arrangement under discussion concerning the Gaza Strip and the future of our Palestinian people must start with the total halt of aggression, the lifting of the blockade, and the guarantee of our people’s legitimate national rights, first and foremost their right to freedom and self-determination,” Hamas says in a statement.
Israel currently controls just over half of the Gaza Strip, in accordance with a US-brokered ceasefire deal. Since the truce went into effect, Israel has accused Hamas of frequently violating it, and terror operatives have killed four Israeli soldiers. Israel has responded with airstrikes, targeting Hamas sites and operatives, which have killed hundreds.
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Friday, February 20, 2026
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