Hamas sets conditions for int’l peace force in Gaza ahead of key meeting

Extermination’ of Palestinians must stop: African Union

GAZA: Ahead of a crucial meeting on Thursday concerning peace efforts in Gaza Strip, the Palestinian resistance group Hamas outlined its conditions for any potential international peace force deployment.

Spokesman Bassem Naeem said the force should be confined to border monitoring and maintaining a protective buffer between factions. He stressed that Hamas has no objection to international personnel in principle, provided they refrain from interfering in Palestine’s civil, political, or security affairs. “If foreign forces intervene in internal matters, the Palestinian people will view them as a substitute for occupying powers, which is unacceptable,” Naeem added.

Hamas emphasized that the group retains full control over Gaza’s governance and administration. Analysts note that Hamas’s preconditions aim to strengthen its position in negotiations, highlighting a dual strategy of influence on both the ground and at the negotiating table. Experts warn that an unclear or expansive mandate for international forces could trigger renewed tensions in the region.

The upcoming Board of Peace meeting will discuss the interim government, frameworks for a permanent ceasefire, reconciliation between Palestinian factions, and the role and limitations of an international peace force.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said on Saturday the “extermination” of the Palestinian people must end, as he launched the organisation’s 39th summit.

“In the Middle East, Palestine and the suffering of its people also challenge our consciences. The extermination of this people must stop,” said Youssouf, who was elected to head the institution a year ago.

He also touched on the multiple conflicts raging in Africa.

“From Sudan to the Sahel, to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in Somalia and elsewhere, our people continue to pay the heavy price of instability,” Youssouf said.  The summit brings together heads of state from the 55 member states of the African Union over two days. This year’s theme is water sanitation.  Monitoring Desk