Hamas has voiced strong opposition to any potential ceasefire deal that allows Israeli troops to remain stationed in buffer zones within Gaza, denouncing the proposed arrangement as a continued occupation that fragments the Palestinian territory.
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim told reporters that the group’s negotiating delegation in Doha has made it clear to Israeli mediators that the movement “cannot accept the perpetuation of the occupation of our land and the surrender of our people to isolated enclaves under the control of the occupation army.”
Naim stated that disagreements over Israel’s military withdrawal, the free flow of humanitarian aid, and the need for “real guarantees” for a permanent truce remain key sticking points in the ongoing negotiations.
Israel has maintained that the establishment of buffer zones across Gaza, cleared of residents and controlled by the military is essential for national security and for maintaining pressure on Hamas to release hostages taken during the October 2023 attack.
Hamas, however, is particularly opposed to continued Israeli control over Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city bordering Egypt, as well as the strategically significant Morag Corridor connecting Rafah to Khan Younis.
Naim also criticized the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the aid delivery mechanism established by the U.S. and backed by Israel, saying the current model has led to chaos and violence.
“We want an end to the current delivery of aid by the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation,” he said, alleging that the system has resulted in the deaths of scores of Palestinians seeking food and supplies.
As the ceasefire talks continue in Doha, both sides remain entrenched in their positions. Hamas is demanding guarantees for a full military withdrawal and unrestricted humanitarian access, while Israel insists on maintaining a presence in certain areas to safeguard against renewed militant activity.
