Hamas Objects to Interference in Gaza's Internal Governance
The armed Islamist movement Hamas has stated it will only accept international forces in Gaza if they do not interfere in its internal affairs, a move seen as contradicting the peace plan sponsored by President Donald Trump.
Speaking to AFP news agency, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said their forces support the presence of peacekeeping units to monitor the ceasefire and create a buffer zone between the Israeli army and the people of Gaza, but oppose any interference in the internal governance of the strip.
The 20-Point Plan and International Stabilization Force
The 20-point Gaza reconstruction plan proposed by President Trump after the 2025 conflict calls for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages, the gradual withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces from controlled areas, the complete disarmament of Hamas, the demilitarization of Gaza, and the establishment of a technocratic committee to govern Gaza, reporting to an International Peace Council chaired by President Trump.
According to International Stabilization Force (ISF) commander Jasper Jeffers, approximately 20,000 soldiers from Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania are preparing for initial deployment in Rafah, southern Gaza. Egypt and Jordan have pledged to support the training of around 1,200 Palestinian police officers.
These forces are expected to expand their presence zone by zone across the entire Gaza Strip.
Fragile Ceasefire
Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire agreement in October 2025. The body of the last hostage, Sergeant Ran Gvili, was handed over to Israel at the end of January.
However, tensions continue along the Gaza Strip. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) accuse Hamas of violating the ceasefire daily, carrying out attacks that have resulted in Israeli soldier casualties since the agreement took effect.
Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani of the IDF stated that Israel has recorded "force-challenging" actions and attacks occurring weekly.
Uncertain Future
Hamas's new statement exacerbates disagreements over the role of international forces and the post-war governance structure in Gaza. While President Trump's plan aims to remove Hamas from the governing apparatus, the movement's statement indicates they will not accept losing internal control.
The upcoming developments of the International Stabilization Force and the level of ceasefire compliance will determine whether the Gaza reconstruction process proceeds as planned.
