A senior Hamas political bureau member sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of obstructing the transition to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The remarks came after Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would not permit Gaza’s reconstruction unless armed groups in the Strip disarm, and insisted that Israeli security control would continue in both Gaza and the West Bank.

Husam Badran dismissed Netanyahu’s demands as an attempt to impose external dictates on Palestinians, stressing that the weapons of resistance are an internal matter not subject to foreign pressure. According to Badran, raising the issue of disarmament at this stage amounts to deliberate sabotage of the fragile diplomatic process.

He argued that the next phase of the ceasefire must guarantee a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and open the door to serious reconstruction efforts after months of devastation. Badran also stated that Hamas is prepared to hand administrative responsibility for Gaza to a national committee, framing it as a step toward unified Palestinian governance.

On Monday, the Israeli military said the remains of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli captive in the Gaza Strip, had been retrieved. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said the discovery of Gvili’s remains confirms the movement’s adherence to the October ceasefire agreement.