Media: Hamas expresses readiness to hand over Gaza to Palestinian Authority Israel rejects Palestinian statehood

Hamas has signalled its readiness to transfer control of the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian Authority (PA) and a governmental committee. 

The move, conveyed in a message to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), comes amid mounting Egyptian pressure on the movement’s leadership, Caliber.Az reports, citing Sky News Arabia.

Sources familiar with the discussions stated that Hamas has placed only one condition for the handover—ensuring that government employees in Gaza are either reintegrated into the new administration or allowed to retire with guaranteed salary payments.

The reported shift in Hamas’ stance follows extensive negotiations in Cairo, where Egyptian officials urged the movement to relinquish its hold over Gaza. Egypt has been actively mediating between Hamas and the PA as part of broader efforts to stabilize the region and advance ongoing ceasefire talks.

Meanwhile, negotiations over the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza are set to continue this week. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff stated that discussions will focus on the release of all remaining Israeli hostages still alive in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Whitkoff described recent talks with key regional players as “very positive and constructive.” He confirmed that he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, according to Fox News.

The first phase of the ceasefire agreement, brokered by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, took effect on January 19 and is expected to be fully implemented by March 1. The second phase aims to secure a long-term truce and further prisoner exchanges.

In response to Whitkoff’s statements, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced that the security cabinet would convene on February 17 to discuss the next steps in negotiations. Netanyahu has instructed an Israeli delegation to travel to Cairo for further discussions. Following the cabinet meeting, the delegation will receive directives regarding the second phase of the ceasefire process.

During a joint press conference with Netanyahu on February 16, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored Washington’s position, stating that Hamas “must not remain the ruling power in Gaza.”

Meanwhile, Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, reaffirmed the country's stance on the establishment of a Palestinian state during a meeting with a bipartisan delegation of U.S. senators. Speaking to the group, which was led by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and included Deputy Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus, Katz made it clear that Israel "will never agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state which would endanger its existence."

In a statement issued by his office, Katz outlined Israel's primary objectives in the ongoing regional conflict, emphasizing the country's focus on three key priorities: preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, securing the release of hostages, and eliminating Hamas in Gaza.

Katz also shared Israel's strategic ambitions for future diplomatic developments, highlighting the nation's goal to reach a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, signalling potential progress in regional peace efforts.

During his address, Katz referenced the controversial Gaza plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Under the plan, Trump suggested that the U.S. "take over" Gaza, displace its two million residents, and transform the area into a tourist hub. Katz stated that he believed this approach was "the only one that can guarantee security for the citizens of the south and the State of Israel."

By Vugar Khalilov