Hamas Rejects Disarmament Claims, Demands Palestinian Statehood First

In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Hamas Rejects Disarmament Claims, Demands Palestinian Statehood First. Hamas has rejected claims by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff that it was ready to disarm in exchange for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Palestinian group firmly stated that its weapons are a “national and legal right” until Israel ends its occupation and a sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established.

The denial came amid intense ceasefire negotiations and deepening international concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where starvation is rampant and over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023.

Hamas Rejects Disarmament Claims, Demands Palestinian Statehood First

Hamas Slams Witkoff’s Remarks and Gaza Visit

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, appointed by President Donald Trump, had told families of Israeli hostages that Hamas expressed “willingness to be demilitarised.”

The remarks were reported by Israeli outlet Haaretz, which cited an audio recording of Witkoff’s private conversation with relatives of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

In a swift and sharply-worded response, Hamas said on Saturday that the resistance and its weapons remain a non-negotiable right in the face of Israeli occupation.

“That right cannot be relinquished until our full national rights are restored, foremost among them the establishment of a fully sovereign, independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital,” the group’s statement said.

Hamas also dismissed Witkoff’s high-profile visit to Gaza where he toured a controversial aid distribution site operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) as a “staged show” meant to mislead the public and mask the growing crisis.

Humanitarian Disaster: Over 1,300 Killed While Seeking Aid

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen. According to the United Nations, at least 1,373 Palestinians have been killed since May while trying to collect food at GHF-run aid sites.

The majority were shot by Israeli forces near distribution points.

The GHF, backed by both the U.S. and Israeli governments, has been sharply criticized for its operations.

Despite mounting international outrage, Washington recently approved $30 million in funding to support GHF’s work in Gaza.

UN agencies have described the situation in Gaza as a “man-made famine,” with widespread malnutrition and starvation, particularly among children.

The Gaza health ministry reported that 169 people, including 93 children, have died from starvation-related causes.

Hostage Video Sparks Global Outrage

Tensions rose further when Hamas released a video of Evyatar David, one of the Israeli hostages, who appeared emaciated, shirtless, and confined in a dimly-lit tunnel.

His family, in an emotional statement, accused Hamas of using starvation as propaganda and demanded urgent intervention from the Israeli government and the U.S.

Witkoff, who met the families in Tel Aviv, was greeted with both applause and urgent pleas.

He emphasized the need for a comprehensive peace deal, criticizing “partial plans” that fail to address the full scope of the crisis and the fate of all hostages.

Global Pressure Builds on Hamas to Disarm

Amid the hostilities, a growing international coalition is urging Hamas to disarm and hand over control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority. This push coincides with renewed efforts to recognize a Palestinian state.

At a recent United Nations conference in New York, 17 countries, along with the European Union and the Arab League, signed a statement calling for the revival of a two-state solution.

The joint document called on Hamas to end its rule in Gaza and transfer control to the Palestinian Authority “with international engagement and support.”

The United Kingdom added to the pressure by announcing it may recognize a Palestinian state in September if Israel fails to meet specific conditions, including implementing a ceasefire.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s position, signaling a major policy shift.

Israel’s Non-Negotiable Demand: Disarmament

For Israel, Hamas’ disarmament remains a red line. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief Lt Gen Eyal Zamir warned that without the release of hostages and a credible agreement, there will be no respite in the fighting.

The Israeli military’s offensive began in response to the October 7, 2023 attack, when Hamas and allied militants killed approximately 1,200 people in southern Israel and took 251 hostages.

Since then, over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to figures from Hamas-run authorities.

Israel denies any intentional targeting of civilians at aid sites, claiming Hamas instigates chaos near the distribution zones to manipulate narratives.

Ceasefire Talks Remain Stalled

Despite months of indirect ceasefire talks, progress remains elusive. The latest breakdown in negotiations came as Hamas refused to accept Israel’s core conditions, chief among them being total disarmament and surrender of governance in Gaza.

The U.S. and Arab states are seeking to push forward a roadmap that ends the war, ensures the return of hostages, and transitions Gaza to Palestinian Authority control.

However, Hamas’ firm stance on maintaining armed resistance and demanding full sovereignty continues to stall the process.

A Standstill With High Stakes

With famine spreading, hostages suffering, and military operations ongoing, the cost of inaction is rising daily. For now, Hamas insists that disarmament will only happen if it achieves full Palestinian statehood, with Jerusalem as its capital.

Meanwhile, Israel remains firm that no deal is possible without Hamas’ total disarmament, setting the stage for continued violence, rising casualties, and an uncertain diplomatic future.

Also Read: Hamas Seeks Amendments to US Gaza Truce Proposal Amid Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

Also Read: ‘Weapons are our right’: Hamas rejects disarmament