Hamas says it accepts possible intl force in Gaza for ceasefire monitoring only

A senior Hamas official said Thursday that Palestinian factions in Gaza have given initial approval for a potential international force in the territory, provided its mandate is limited to "monitoring the ceasefire and maintaining a presence along the borders to separate the two sides."

Husam Badran, a member of Hamas' political bureau, told Xinhua that the force's role should remain "limited, clear and agreed upon" and must not undermine Palestinian national decision-making. He noted that most countries discussing the idea have stressed the need for Palestinian consent before any deployment.

Badran was referring to the International Stabilization Force, a proposed multinational force endorsed as part of a broader peace plan and a UN Security Council resolution adopted in November.

He stressed that implementation of the current agreement should not contradict Palestinian interests and reaffirmed that "any talk about disarming the resistance is rejected."

Palestinians "live under occupation, and it is natural for them to resist with all available means," he said.

He added that the priority for Palestinians is reconstruction in Gaza "so our people can live in conditions worthy of their sacrifices."

Regarding the second phase of the ceasefire deal, Badran said it should include "a clear withdrawal of the Israeli occupation, the opening of a political horizon, and serious discussions on the establishment of a Palestinian state."