GAZA, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to the roadmap and process for moving to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem told Xinhua that the group remains committed to the agreed arrangements, noting that the primary obstacle remains Israel's failure to grant mediators clear approval for the roadmap.
Meanwhile, the Hamas-run media office in Gaza urged the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to assume its responsibilities as soon as possible.
In a press statement, the office called on all relevant parties to facilitate the entry of the committee into the Gaza Strip so that it can begin its work amid the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
The remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks on Monday to advance the Gaza ceasefire plan. They have agreed to establish two working groups to advance the demilitarization of Gaza and address infrastructure and public health needs in the war-devastated enclave.
Earlier this month, Netanyahu rejected a U.S.-backed 15-point roadmap for Gaza, insisting Israel will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed. Hamas, in turn, tied any progress to arrangements concerning a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and future administration of the enclave. ■