Political discussions about Gaza held in Washington this week have drawn sharp criticism from Palestinian representatives, who insist that any initiative concerning the territory must begin with a complete and lasting end to the genocidal war. They argue that meetings and frameworks announced abroad cannot produce stability while daily violence, restrictions and blockades continue to shape life on the ground in Gaza.

In a statement released on Thursday, Hamas said that political arrangements or reconstruction plans would remain meaningless unless the siege on Gaza is lifted and crossings are opened to allow unimpeded humanitarian aid. The movement warned that continued violations of ceasefire understandings undermine trust and deepen civilian suffering, calling on mediators to ensure that commitments are implemented rather than repeatedly postponed.

The remarks came as US President Donald Trump chaired the inaugural session of his so-called Peace Council in Washington. The gathering focused on next steps following a fragile truce, post-war reconstruction and elements of a broader plan presented last year. Participating states pledged billions of dollars for relief and rebuilding, while proposals were also aired for an international stabilisation force to be deployed in Gaza.

Critics, however, say such discussions overlook the root cause of the crisis: prolonged occupation and denial of basic rights. They argue that financial commitments and technical plans cannot substitute for political accountability, particularly as hundreds have continued to be killed and thousands wounded since the truce took effect. Without addressing these fundamentals, they warn, international initiatives risk entrenching instability rather than resolving it.