Hamas Rejects Disarmament Without Palestinian Statehood, Stalling Ceasefire Talks

Hamas has declared it will not disarm until a sovereign Palestinian state is established, rejecting disarmament as a condition for a ceasefire with Israel. The refusal has stalled talks as humanitarian conditions worsen in Gaza and international pressure mounts on both sides to reach a resolution and release hostages.

Hamas has firmly stated it will not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is established with Jerusalem as its capital, a declaration that deepens the deadlock in ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Israel. The group's stance comes in response to claims attributed to US envoy Steve Witkoff suggesting Hamas had shown willingness to lay down arms—claims Hamas denied.

Israel maintains that Hamas’s disarmament is non-negotiable in any peace deal, while indirect talks between the two sides remain stalled. Meanwhile, Arab governments and several Western nations, including France and Canada, have pushed for Hamas to disarm, as momentum grows internationally to recognize Palestinian statehood. The UK has indicated it may follow suit if Israel fails to meet specific conditions by September.

In its statement, Hamas reiterated its right to “resistance,” insisting weapons would only be relinquished if Palestinian sovereignty is achieved. The group is classified as a terrorist organization by the US, UK, and EU.

Tensions remain high as humanitarian conditions worsen in Gaza. UN agencies report over 1,300 Palestinians have died while trying to access food since May, mostly near Israeli and US-backed aid sites. Israel denies allegations of famine and blames Hamas for unrest near aid distribution points. The IDF says it does not intentionally fire on civilians.

US envoy Witkoff, currently touring the region, met with Israeli families of hostages and emphasized a comprehensive peace deal over limited arrangements. His visit comes amid growing anger over the hostage situation, intensified by the release of a video showing one captive, Evyatar David, emaciated and digging his own grave in a Hamas tunnel.

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As Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas-led attack, the conflict remains unresolved—with over 60,000 Palestinians killed and ceasefire hopes dimming amid hardline positions on both sides.