Hamas has stated it will not disarm until a sovereign Palestinian state is established, countering Israeli demands in ceasefire negotiations, highlighting ongoing tensions and humanitarian crises in the region.
Hamas Stands Firm on Disarmament Stance in Face of Peace Negotiations
Hamas Stands Firm on Disarmament Stance in Face of Peace Negotiations
In a decisive response to ongoing ceasefire talks, Hamas emphasizes its refusal to disarm until an independent Palestinian state is recognized, amidst growing international pressure.
Hamas has reiterated its position of refusing to disarm unless a fully recognized Palestinian state is established, as it responds to remarks attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. This statement comes amid ongoing ceasefire discussions with Israel, where disarmament of Hamas remains a pivotal demand from the Israeli side.
Indirect negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages have recently stalled, while Arab governments urge Hamas to relinquish its control of Gaza. The calls for disarmament follow plans from several Western countries, including France and Canada, to acknowledge Palestinian statehood, with the UK indicating it would do the same if Israel fails to fulfill specific conditions by September.
Hamas, classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S., UK, and EU, insists that it cannot forfeit its right to "resistance and its weapons" unless an independent and fully sovereign Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital, is acknowledged. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Lt Gen Eyal Zamir warned that fighting would intensify if quick negotiations did not result in the release of hostages held by Hamas.
A recent video released by Hamas showcasing hostage Evyatar David has drawn family concerns, accusing the group of using him as a propaganda tool and pleading with both the Israeli government and the U.S. for intervention.
Witkoff's visit comes amidst accusations against Israel from UN agencies that a man-made famine is occurring in Gaza, with the blame directed towards Israel for controlling supply entry. Despite this, Israel claims that aid delivery restrictions do not exist and that there is "no starvation."
During his visit, Witkoff met with family members of hostages, emphasizing the need for peace negotiations to focus on concluding the ongoing conflict and ensuring the return of all hostages rather than making partial agreements. Recent UN reports indicate that since late May, 1,373 Palestinians have reportedly died in struggles for food, amid a deeply controversial Israeli military campaign that has seen over 60,000 fatalities in Gaza following the October 7th attack by Hamas.
