Hamas announced on Saturday that Palestinian factions have submitted their official response to a 15-clause roadmap proposed by international envoy Nickolay Mladenov on April 19, aimed at ending hostilities in Gaza and advancing the second phase of a U.S.-backed ceasefire plan.

The announcement follows intensive consultations held over the past week in Cairo involving various Palestinian factions and mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. Hamas described the factions’ engagement with the roadmap as “responsible and positive,” stating that a consolidated national position has now been formally delivered to the relevant parties.

According to the movement, the discussions resulted in the establishment of a unified national position regarding the roadmap that had been conveyed by international envoy Nickolay Mladenov on April 19. Hamas stressed that Palestinian factions had engaged with the proposal "responsibly and positively," underscoring their commitment to serious dialogue aimed at ending the conflict.

The roadmap, consisting of 15 provisions, has been presented by international mediators as a framework to halt the Israeli military campaign in Gaza and move toward the implementation of the second phase of the broader agreement promoted by US President Donald Trump.

Senior Hamas officials had previously disclosed that the movement had submitted an initial response to the proposal earlier in the week. However, Saturday's announcement confirmed that further consultations among all Palestinian factions had produced a consolidated position that has now been formally delivered to the relevant parties.

Hamas emphasized that any progress toward subsequent phases of the agreement must be contingent upon the complete implementation of the provisions contained in the first phase, particularly those related to humanitarian obligations and the cessation of military operations in the Gaza Strip.

The movement asserted that no further steps could proceed without Israel fulfilling its original commitments under the agreement.

Humanitarian concerns remain central to the Palestinian factions' demands as Gaza continues to grapple with mounting civilian casualties, widespread displacement, and deteriorating living conditions resulting from the ongoing conflict.

The Palestinian factions also insisted on the strict implementation of provisions related to the deployment of an administrative committee in Gaza, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory, and the immediate commencement of reconstruction efforts.

According to Hamas, these conditions are non-negotiable and constitute essential prerequisites for restoring governance, stability, and normal life in the besieged enclave.

Reconstruction efforts in Gaza have repeatedly faced delays amid continuing hostilities and restrictions affecting the entry of materials and humanitarian assistance.

In a notable development, the factions approved a gradual and phased mechanism for inventorying and storing heavy weapons while neutralizing military infrastructure.

A document cited by Al Mayadeen indicated that these measures would be implemented according to an agreed timetable established only after the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The provision has been viewed as a significant concession by Palestinian armed groups, reflecting a willingness to undertake phased demilitarization measures contingent upon the complete evacuation of Israeli troops from the territory.

Hamas stated that its delegation will remain engaged in Cairo in the coming period, continuing discussions with mediators and Palestinian factions to monitor the implementation of any understandings ultimately reached by all parties.

The latest diplomatic efforts build upon Hamas' announcement in late May that it had been conducting extensive communications and in-depth consultations with regional and international stakeholders aimed at ending the Israeli escalation in Gaza and ensuring the implementation of ceasefire and hostage-release arrangements.

The Cairo consultations, Hamas said, have now culminated in the presentation of a unified Palestinian response, potentially paving the way for renewed negotiations over a comprehensive agreement to end the war and address Gaza's humanitarian crisis. (ILKHA)