SCM Staff Writer I Saturday, October 04, 2025
CAIRO, Egypt— Senior leaders of the militant group Hamas have signaled a willingness to negotiate the future governance of the Gaza Strip and even the eventual disposition of its weapons, according to a series of recent statements. However, the leaders immediately cast doubt on the feasibility of any swift, 72-hour prisoner and body exchange, calling the timeline “theoretical and unrealistic.”
The comments from Mousa Abu Marzouk and Osama Hamdan indicate a degree of openness to a regional peace vision presented by Egypt, but they come with firm stipulations, including an outright rejection of any non-Palestinian administration of Gaza.
Stance on Peace Plan and Weapons
In his remarks, Mr. Abu Marzouk confirmed that Hamas had “agreed on a regional and international vision presented by Egypt, which includes answers regarding peace and the future.” He emphasized, however, that the broad framework’s implementation would require detailed negotiation.
“We agreed on the plan’s main titles as a principle, and its implementation requires negotiation,” Mr. Abu Marzouk said, adding that “The plan cannot be implemented without negotiation.”
Significantly, he also stated that the group would “enter negotiations on all issues related to the movement and weapons.” Offering a long-term goal for the group’s military wing, he stated, “We will hand over the weapons to the upcoming Palestinian state, and whoever rules Gaza will hold the weapons.” He also called on the United States to “look positively at the future of the Palestinian people.”
The Hamas leaders were unequivocal in their rejection of any external control over Gaza.
Mr. Hamdan insisted that the group does “not accept any non-Palestinian party managing Gaza affairs,” stressing that the “entry of foreign administration or foreign forces into Gaza is unacceptable.”
Instead, he asserted that “an independent national body must be formed for this task,” claiming there is a “Palestinian national agreement” on Gaza being managed by a Palestinian body.
He also pushed back strongly against efforts to sideline the movement, warning that “attempts to exclude Hamas from the Palestinian political process will not succeed.” Mr. Abu Marzouk echoed this sentiment by stating that “Drawing the future of the people is a national matter and Hamas alone does not decide it.”
Prisoner Exchange Timelines Questioned
Both leaders raised practical concerns about the proposed timeframe for a major prisoner and body exchange.
Mr. Abu Marzouk called a 72-hour handover “theoretical and unrealistic under the current circumstances.” Mr. Hamdan agreed, noting there is “a field reality concerning living prisoners and bodies that must be taken into account.”
While ready to enter negotiations on an exchange, Mr. Hamdan stated, “We believe more than 72 hours are needed for the prisoner exchange and the matter can be resolved through understanding.”
The statements suggest that while Hamas may be ready for a dialogue on the long-term future of the territory and its own role within it, any near-term agreements will face significant hurdles, particularly concerning the logistics and time required for a large-scale swap.
