Hamas Says It Will Not Disarm Without Independent Palestinian State

Hamas Links Disarmament to Statehood

Hamas has reiterated that it will only lay down its arms once a fully sovereign Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is established. The group rejected reports that it expressed readiness to disarm in recent talks.

Israel has made Hamas’s disarmament a key condition for any ceasefire and hostage exchange. Negotiations mediated by the US and regional partners have stalled amid diverging demands on both sides.

International Pressure and Ongoing Crisis

Several Arab governments urged Hamas to disarm following announcements by France, Canada and the UK to recognize a Palestinian state if Israel does not meet certain conditions by September. Hamas responded that it cannot surrender its right to resistance or its weapons without statehood.

The Israel Defense Forces warned that fighting would continue without progress in securing the release of hostages held by Hamas. Families of hostages have publicly pleaded for stronger action, citing a recent video of captive Evyatar David that showed him emaciated and weak.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff visited Tel Aviv amid growing criticism of humanitarian conditions in Gaza. UN agencies have warned of mass starvation in the territory, which Israel controls. Israel denies restrictions on aid deliveries.

Witkoff met families of Israeli hostages and Israeli leaders, urging a comprehensive deal to end the conflict and secure all hostages’ release rather than a partial agreement. The UN reports that at least 1,373 Palestinians have died seeking food near aid distribution sites since May.

The latest UN figures estimate over 60,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza since the October 7 attack, and 169 deaths from malnutrition, including 93 children, according to Gaza's health ministry.

Hamas’s insistence on linking disarmament to the creation of an independent state highlights deep-seated challenges in negotiations and the international community’s evolving role in the Gaza conflict.

This topic was reported by BBC.

Explore useful articles in World News as of 02-08-2025. The article titled " Hamas Says It Will Not Disarm Without Independent Palestinian State " offers in-depth analysis and practical advice in the World News field. Each article is carefully crafted by experts to provide maximum value to readers.

The " Hamas Says It Will Not Disarm Without Independent Palestinian State " article expands your knowledge in World News, keeps you informed about the latest developments, and helps you make well-informed decisions. Each article is based on unique content, ensuring originality and quality.