Palestinian groups reaffirm conditions for agreement with Israel

By Husameddin Salih

ISTANBUL (AA) - Hamas and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) reaffirmed Wednesday that any agreement with Israel must include an end to aggression, a complete withdrawal from Gaza, lifting the blockade, reconstruction efforts and a serious prisoner exchange.

The statement followed an important meeting in Gaza where both groups emphasized that the future of Gaza would be determined by the Palestinian people alone.

They stressed that any force not part of the national consensus would be treated as an "occupier."

Despite calls from countries like the US for a post-war plan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces criticism for lacking one. He has vowed to eliminate Hamas, claiming neither the group nor the Palestinian Authority will govern Gaza after the war.

Negotiations between Tel Aviv and Hamas have stalled, as Netanyahu insists on retaining control of key routes in Gaza, while Hamas demands a complete withdrawal and the return of displaced people.

Hamas and the DFLP also agreed that implementing the Beijing Agreement is crucial for rebuilding the Palestinian political system and reforming the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

They committed to continued coordination in all fields to serve the Palestinian cause and protect internal security against those threatening community peace.

The Palestinian political division has persisted since 2007, with Hamas controlling Gaza and Fatah governing the West Bank.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas