GAZA — Hamas has firmly rejected any notion of disarming, stating that it will not lay down its weapons unless a fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established. The group’s statement was a direct response to remarks attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who allegedly told families of Israeli hostages that Hamas had “expressed its willingness” to give up its arms.

The group’s strong denial comes as indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages have stalled. Disarmament of Hamas is a key condition for any deal to end the conflict from the Israeli perspective.

📜 Disarmament at Center of Stalled Talks

The issue of Hamas’s future and disarmament has been a central sticking point in the recent ceasefire negotiations. The group maintains that “armed resistance” is a “national and legal right” as long as what it calls the “Israeli occupation” persists. Hamas argues that this right cannot be relinquished until their national rights are fully restored, with the establishment of an independent Palestinian state as the primary goal.

This position directly contradicts a key demand from Israel, which views the demilitarization of Hamas as a non-negotiable condition for a lasting peace. The latest round of talks, mediated by countries like Qatar and Egypt, broke down last week, with both sides reportedly blaming each other for the deadlock.

🌐 International Momentum and Hostage Crisis

Hamas’s statement also comes amid a growing international push to recognize a Palestinian state. Several countries, including the UK and France, have indicated that they may formally recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September, especially if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with UN agencies reporting a deadly wave of starvation and malnutrition. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing hostage crisis. On Saturday, Hamas released a second video in two days of an Israeli hostage, Evyatar David, who appeared to be in a very frail state. The video has renewed public pressure on the Israeli government to secure a deal for the hostages’ release.

FAQs

Q: Why is Hamas refusing to disarm? A: Hamas states it will not disarm unless a sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established. It views “armed resistance” as a legitimate right until this goal is achieved.

Q: What prompted Hamas’s statement? A: The statement was a direct response to comments attributed to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who allegedly claimed Hamas was willing to disarm as part of a ceasefire deal. Hamas has denied this claim.

Q: What is Israel’s position on disarmament? A: Israel considers the disarmament of Hamas one of its key conditions for any deal to end the conflict in Gaza.

Q: What is the current status of ceasefire talks? A: Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire and hostage release stalled last week. There has been no public announcement of new talks.
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