Demands End to Siege and ‘Concrete Action’ Before Any Gaza Deal
Admin I Friday, February 19.26
LONDON — Hamas has issued a defiant ultimatum to the international Board of Peace, insisting that any potential deal for Gaza must begin with a total end to Israeli military operations.
In a high-stakes move that threatens to stall ongoing negotiations, representatives for the group declared that “talk alone” is no longer sufficient.
They are calling for immediate, “concrete action” from international mediators to halt Israeli strikes and dismantle the long-standing blockade of the Gaza Strip.
The statement, delivered directly to the Board of Peace, outlines a series of non-negotiable pillars for any future agreement:
End the ‘Aggression’: An immediate cessation of all Israeli military activity within Gaza.
Lift the Blockade: The full opening of borders to allow for the free movement of goods and people.
Humanitarian Surge: A massive influx of aid to address the spiraling crisis on the ground.
Mediator Accountability: A demand for those brokering the deal to actively restrain Israeli forces rather than simply facilitating dialogue.
A spokesperson for the group emphasized that the time for diplomatic pleasantries has passed.
“Any Gaza deal must start with an end to Israeli aggression,” the statement read.
“Concrete action is required—not just talks.”
The rhetoric signals a deepening frustration with the pace of negotiations.
While mediators from various nations have been working behind the scenes to find a middle ground, Hamas appears to be digging in, positioning the lifting of the blockade as a prerequisite for any further cooperation.
A Region on the Brink
This latest demand comes against a backdrop of devastating conflict and a worsening humanitarian situation.
Gaza has been under a strict blockade for years, restricting access to essential supplies, medicine, and fuel.
Recent weeks have seen an escalation in violence, with both sides trading fire despite international pressure for a ceasefire.
The Board of Peace, an assembly of international diplomats and regional stakeholders, has been attempting to bridge the gap between Israel’s security concerns and the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian population.
However, with Hamas now demanding a halt to “aggression” as a starting point, the path to a lasting peace remains fraught with significant hurdles.
