Hamas said on Thursday that any political arrangements concerning the Gaza Strip must begin with an end to Israel's aggression and blockade.
The group made the remarks in a statement issued in response to a meeting of the U.S.-led "Board of Peace" held in Washington earlier in the day on the reconstruction of Gaza.
"Any political track or arrangements discussed regarding the Gaza Strip and the future of our Palestinian people must start with a complete cessation of the aggression, lifting the blockade, and guaranteeing the legitimate national rights of our people, foremost among them the right to freedom and self-determination," the statement said.
It said that convening the "Board of Peace" meeting amid "ongoing Israeli crimes" and repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement places responsibility on the international community and participating parties to take practical steps to compel Israel to halt its attacks, reopen crossings, allow the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid, and immediately begin reconstruction efforts.
It added that any "genuine" international effort to achieve stability in Gaza must address the root cause of the problem, namely the occupation, and enable the Palestinian people to obtain their full rights.
Meanwhile, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said in a separate statement that the real test of the positions and decisions announced at the "Board of Peace" meeting lies in the participants' ability to compel Israel to stop ceasefire violations, fulfill its obligations, launch a genuine relief operation, and initiate reconstruction.
Qassem added that the experience of recent months since the ceasefire took effect shows that Israel does not respond to such positions unless accompanied by "real pressure."
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened earlier on Thursday that Hamas will be "harshly met" if the group fails to disarm itself.
"Hamas has been, I think they're going to give up their weapons, which is what they promised," Trump said when addressing the "Board of Peace" meeting. "If they don't ... they'll be harshly met, very harshly met."
Hamas says Gaza political process must start with end to Israeli aggression, blockade
