Senior Hamas Leaders Prepare Exit From Gaza as Ceasefire Enters Phase 2

Sources within Hamas in Gaza say senior figures in the movement are preparing for a “safe exit” from the Strip, following arrangements linked to Gaza’s future under the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, which the United States announced had begun last week.

Three Hamas sources told Asharq al-Awsat that several senior political and military leaders who survived the war are making preparations to leave Gaza. According to one source, the move would be voluntary and carried out under specific arrangements, with full coordination with Hamas leadership abroad. Another source said the idea is strongly opposed by other leaders, particularly senior military figures, who categorically reject leaving the Strip under any circumstances.

The reported preparations mark a potential shift after nearly two years of war, during which Hamas officials repeatedly rejected removing their leadership from Gaza. The sources described internal disagreement over whether departures should take place at all, showing divisions within the terror group as postwar arrangements advance.

According to the same sources, Asharq al-Awsat was provided with the names of several leaders believed likely to depart. The outlet said it is refraining from publishing the names due to the inability to contact them promptly. Some of those figures were recently appointed to leadership positions in Hamas’ political bureau in Gaza, as part of new organizational arrangements aimed at rebuilding and restructuring the movement after the war.

The sources also said a number of former prisoners released in the 2011 exchange deal for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who now oversee key portfolios within Hamas leadership, are expected to be among those traveling, with Turkey cited as a likely destination. However, a senior Hamas leader based outside Gaza denied the reports, saying the issue of leaders leaving the Strip “has not been raised.” Another source inside Gaza declined to comment, saying only that he had no knowledge of the matter.

Accounts also differed over whether any exit would be temporary or long-term. Some sources said the departure would likely be “without return, at least for several years,” with those leaders expected to reside in several countries. Other sources said some leaders would leave temporarily to hold meetings in Egypt with security officials on critical issues related to Gaza’s governmental security forces and other key files, before returning.

The reports follow earlier Israeli statements indicating that leadership relocation has been discussed. In September, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview with Fox News that Israel was considering providing safe passage for Hamas leaders to leave Gaza under certain conditions, as part of a plan being prepared by U.S. President Donald Trump.

As Phase II moves forward, conflicting accounts from Hamas sources leave open whether senior leaders will remain in Gaza, relocate temporarily, or leave for extended periods, as growing international pressure over the Strip’s future governance continues.