Gaza's Hamas proposes a technocratic government, but Israel refuses, imposing stringent conditions instead

In a significant development, the Palestinian resistance group Hamas has agreed to the formation of an independent national administration made up of technocrats to run the Gaza Strip. This proposed administration is expected to manage all affairs of the enclave and immediately assume responsibilities in all sectors. However, two weeks after Hamas announced a 60-day ceasefire, Israel has yet to respond.

The proposed ceasefire terms include the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Over 10,800 Palestinians are currently being held in Israeli prisons, where they face allegations of torture, starvation, and medical neglect, with many reported deaths as a result. The prisoner swap proposal is still awaiting Israel's response.

Israel's conditions for ending the conflict, as stated by Netanyahu's office, include the release of all hostages, dismantling of Hamas' weapons, demilitarization of Gaza, Israeli security control in Gaza, and establishment of an alternative civilian government that does not educate for terrorism, does not dispatch terrorism, and does not threaten Israel.

The military campaign in Gaza has had devastating effects on the enclave, causing a famine. The reoccupation of Gaza City could lead to the enclave's total destruction, greater suffering for Palestinians, and mass displacement. This potential move has been met with warnings from the international community.

Last November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel faces a genocide case at the ICC for its war on the enclave.

Countries that have awaited a statement on the conditions presented by Hamas for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange in Gaza include Israel, which rejects Hamas's terms as manipulative and insists on conditions it finds acceptable, and international mediators from Egypt and Qatar, who proposed the ceasefire plan agreed to by Hamas but awaiting Israel's response.

On Aug. 20, Netanyahu ordered the acceleration of plans to reoccupy Gaza City. This decision has been met with concern from the international community, who have warned about the potential consequences of such a move.

The proposal also includes ending the war on Gaza, the withdrawal of all occupation forces, opening the crossings to allow the entry of all necessary supplies into the Strip, and beginning the reconstruction process. As of now, the independent national administration in Gaza is still awaiting Israel's response.

Gaza's Hamas proposes a technocratic government, but Israel refuses, imposing stringent conditions instead