Hamas says it could support Arab plan for Gaza if backed by Palestinians

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem says that the terror group will only accept an Arab-led plan for postwar reconstruction of Gaza that wins the support of Palestinians in the enclave, rejecting “external forces” determining the future of the Strip.

“Our position is clear — any plans for Gaza’s future… must be reached through national consensus, and we will facilitate the process,” Qassem tells Turkish news outlet Anadolu.

Qassem speaks out as Arab leaders convene in Cairo to discuss a “day after” plan for rebuilding Gaza, in efforts to counter President Donald Trump’s proposed plan in which the US would assume control of Gaza after the population is relocated.

The plan calls for Hamas to cede power to an interim administration of political independents until a reformed Palestinian Authority can assume control.

“Hamas does not necessarily have to be part of these arrangements, nor is it interested in being involved in them at all,” Qassem adds, referring to plans for postwar Gaza.

On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu again gave his backing to Trump’s depopulation plan, calling it “visionary and innovative.”

Qassem says Hamas will not be “an obstacle to any arrangements reached through national consensus and capable of initiating reconstruction.” Palestinians “are capable of finding consensus-based approaches with Arab support to accomplish this goal,” he adds.