Hamas Open to International Peacekeeping in Gaza, Rejects Foreign Interference

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem announced that the organization is open to the deployment of international peacekeeping forces in Gaza, provided these forces do not interfere in the territory's internal affairs. Qassem emphasized the need for peacekeeping troops to monitor the ceasefire and act as a buffer between the Israeli military and the Palestinian population. This marks a notable shift from Hamas's previous opposition to the proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF), which is being organized as part of U.S. President Donald Trump's broader peace initiative for Gaza.

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The inaugural session of Trump's "Board of Peace" took place on February 19, 2026, in Washington, where several countries, including Indonesia, Morocco, Albania, Kazakhstan, and Kosovo, pledged to contribute personnel to the ISF. The ISF aims to deploy approximately 20,000 soldiers and establish a new police force in Gaza. However, the meeting did not provide a timeline for Hamas's disarmament or the withdrawal of Israeli forces, which remains a contentious issue.

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Hamas has stated that any political or reconstruction process for Gaza must begin with a complete halt to Israeli military actions, the lifting of the blockade, and guarantees of Palestinian national rights, including the right to self-determination. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has countered that reconstruction cannot commence until Hamas disarms, a condition that Hamas has firmly rejected. Both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire terms established in October 2023, following a two-year conflict initiated by Hamas's attack on Israel.

Hamas says Gaza future must begin with end to aggressionTRT WorldThe Defense PostTimes of IsraelWIONHamas says ‘total halt of aggression’ necessary for Gaza peace to proceed

The Board of Peace has faced skepticism from various analysts and international figures. Critics, including Hugh Lovatt from the European Council on Foreign Relations, have expressed concerns that the board's proposals may sideline the United Nations and reflect a colonial approach to Gaza's reconstruction. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot criticized the European Commission's participation in the meeting, arguing it lacked a mandate to represent EU member states. Former U.S. ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro noted the absence of Palestinian input in the reconstruction plans, making it difficult to take the board's efforts seriously.

The Defense PostTimes of IsraelHamas says ‘total halt of aggression’ necessary for Gaza peace to proceedThe HinduHamas says Gaza future must begin with end to aggression

• “Our position on international forces is clear: we want peacekeeping forces that monitor the ceasefire, ensure its implementation, and act as a buffer between the occupation army and our people in the Gaza Strip, without interfering in Gaza’s internal affairs,” — Hazem Qassem, Hamas Spokesman

Times of Israel

• “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,” — Hamas Statement

Times of Israel

• “We agreed with our ally the U.S. that there will be no reconstruction of Gaza before the demilitarisation of Gaza,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister

The Hindu

As discussions continue regarding Gaza's future, the interplay between Hamas's demands and Israeli conditions remains a significant barrier to progress. The international community's response, particularly through the Board of Peace, will be crucial in shaping the next steps in this complex and evolving situation.

WION