[News] Any Gaza-related steps must be based on full end of aggression: Hamas

[Anti-Imperialist News]

english.almayadeen.net
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/any-gaza-related-steps-must-be-based-on-full-end-of-aggressi>
Any Gaza-related steps must be based on full end of aggression: Hamas
Al Mayadeen English
February 19, 2026
------------------------------

Hamas issues a statement on the Gaza "Board of Peace" meeting, calling for
an end to Israeli aggression, lifting the siege on Gaza, and immediate
reconstruction efforts.

   - [image: Palestinians walk along a street surrounded by buildings
   destroyed in the Israeli war on Gaza during a dust storm in Gaza City,
   Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 (AP)]
   <https://alpha-en-media.almayadeen.net/media/image/2026/2/19/6563636c-305f-4d16-9915-0c4d8a73d51b.jpg?width=1000>
   Palestinians walk along a street surrounded by buildings destroyed in the
   Israeli war on Gaza during a dust storm in Gaza City, Saturday, Feb. 14,
   2026 (*AP*)

Hamas issued a statement today calling for a complete halt to aggression,
the lifting of the siege on Gaza, and the full guarantee of the Palestinian
people’s legitimate national rights, including their right to freedom and
self-determination.

The statement comes in response to the convening of the "Board of Peace"
session
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/trump-inaugurates--board-of-peace---sets-10-day-clock-on-ira>
on Gaza, held in the United States. The board, chaired by US President
Donald Trump, brought together international leaders and representatives to
discuss Gaza’s future and the broader situation facing the Palestinian
people.

Hamas emphasized that holding the session amid ongoing Israeli violations
and attacks
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/trump-eyes-350-acre-us-military-base-in-gaza-housing-5-000-t>
against the ceasefire obliges the international community and participating
board members to take practical steps to compel "Israel" to end its
aggression, open the crossings, allow unrestricted humanitarian aid, and
immediately begin reconstruction efforts.

The movement also called on international parties and mediators to assume
their responsibilities
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/two-palestinians-were-killed-on-the-first-day-of-ramadan>
in ensuring the implementation of agreed measures, preventing "Israel" from
obstructing humanitarian and political obligations, and working seriously
to establish a permanent ceasefire.

Hamas affirmed that any genuine international effort to stabilize Gaza must
address the root cause
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/washington-to-host-first--board-of-peace--meeting-on-thursda>
of the crisis - Israeli occupation - end its aggressive policies, and
enable the Palestinian people to fully exercise their rights.
'Board of Peace' holds inaugural meeting

The first meeting of the "Board of Peace" was held today
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/israeli-soldier-killed-in-khan-younis-during-friendly-fire-e>
in Washington under the chairmanship of US President Donald Trump, with the
participation of several leaders and representatives of member states, as
well as Ali Shaath, head of the Palestinian technocrats’ committee managing
Gaza affairs.

In his opening remarks, Trump described Gaza’s situation as “complex but
showing excellent progress,” adding that “the Board of Peace is the most
influential in terms of impact.”

Additionally, Trump announced that the United States
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/vatican-turns-down-trump-s-offer-to-join-gaza--board-of-peac>
would contribute $10 billion to Gaza’s reconstruction. “The Board of Peace
is showing how a better future can be built,” he said, noting that while
$10 billion may seem substantial, it is “very small” compared with the
overall costs of the war, roughly “two weeks’ worth of fighting.”

Trump framed the initiative as a potential model for resolving other
long-running global conflicts, suggesting it could demonstrate how “lasting
harmony” might be achieved in regions marked by decades or even centuries
of violence.

He claimed that the war on Gaza is over following the October ceasefire,
despite continued reports of Israeli assaults. He described ongoing
incidents as “little flames” and said lasting stability “depends on Hamas
giving up its weapons.” The president also warned that failure to disarm
would trigger a harsh response, while acknowledging Hamas for returning the
bodies of Israeli captives.
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