Description: Following a meeting between Hamas and other Palestinian factions in Cairo, the militant groups have issued a joint statement which approves the formation of a technocratic government to rule the Gaza Strip until the Palestinian Authority is fundamentally reformed. Hamas representatives met in Cairo with officials from Fatah, the dominant party in the PA, Palestinian Jihad, an allied organization and other factions such as the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, organizations linked to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The meeting arrives after high level diplomatic visits were conducted by the US, which saw Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Vice President JD Vance visit Israel to ensure the continuation of President Trump’s 20-point peace plan.
Impact: The joint statement by Hamas and other militant organizations represents a significant step forward in advancing the peace initiative, however, it has no strategic weight or any long – term prospects which would serve as guardrails for the longevity of the peace platform. The situation on the ground in Gaza is far away from reflecting the realities of the negotiations as Hamas has violently reasserted itself among the civilian population, restored public executions and reopened interrogation camps. Discussions regarding the so-called International Stabilization Force have stalled since Israel heavily objects Turkey’s involvement by dispatching troops on the ground in Gaza. Humanitarian aid deliveries have also been halted with Israel’s grip tightening around the projected lines of withdrawal. The ceasefire is currently in a calculative state of affairs where the stakeholders are vying for control and political dominion over the negotiations which would ultimately translate into influence on the ground. Major sticking points such as Hamas’ disarmament remain, which positions the peace platform on excruciatingly shaky ground in the short to mid – term period of time.