A Palestinian flag flutters amid the ruins of buildings in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. AFP
“We call for the opening of Rafah crossing in both directions to allow the free movement of people and goods into Gaza,” the Palestinian resistance group said in a statement, emphasizing the urgency of facilitating humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and food.
The appeal came follows a UN call for all Gaza border crossings to be opened to deliver life-saving assistance. The World Food Programme warned that reversing the famine caused by Israel’s blockade, in place for over seven months now, will “take some time.”
Months after launching its genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023, Israel has occupied the Rafah crossing from the Palestinian side and took control of the area in May 2024.
The two-year Israeli war, which ended with a ceasefire last week, has killed or injured more than 200,000 Palestinians, reduced Gaza to ruins, and left Israeli troops in control of roughly half of the strip.
Hamas said the next phase should begin with the “immediate formation of the National Community Support Committee,” composed of independent and nationally accepted figures, to manage Gaza and oversee Israel’s withdrawal from agreed-upon sites.".
The group stressed that the reconstruction process must be nationally led and free of political agendas.
“We emphasize the immediate formation of a national committee consisting of independent experts to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza’s infrastructure,” Hamas said. “The reconstruction of homes, hospitals, schools, and public facilities must be prioritized.”
Israel’s bombing has destroyed or damaged around 90 percent of Gaza’s infrastructure, according to the UN. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) described the scale of destruction as “almost beyond comprehension.” and that “the debris alone could fill Central Park up to 12 metres high, equivalent to 13 Great Pyramids of Giza.”
With bombardment largely halted, Hamas expressed gratitude to countries and organizations that have supported the Palestinian cause, singling out Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for mediating efforts to end Israel’s war.
“Hamas expresses deep appreciation for the sincere efforts made by the mediators… whether through hosting meetings or working to bridge the gap between viewpoints, and their determination to overcome obstacles, which has ultimately resulted in ending the brutal war on Gaza,” the statement read.
The movement also thanked countries that stood by the Palestinian people in international forums, naming the eight Arab and Islamic countries, who negociated the deal with the US as well as Algeria, South Africa, Russia, China, and Colombia,” for their positions at the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice.
Hamas extended its gratitude to those who supported the Palestinian cause on the ground, saying: “We also praise those who shed blood with our people in Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as those who traveled on Freedom Ships to break the siege or demonstrated in the squares of different countries around the world.”
The statement concluded with a renewed appeal for international solidarity and accountability. “We urge the international community to assist our people in Gaza by providing urgent aid, opening Rafah, and launching immediate reconstruction,” Hamas said.
“We also demand the prosecution of those who committed war crimes against our people and humanity."
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