Hamas's firm stance against disarmament unless a recognized Palestinian state is established has stymied ceasefire negotiations as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens.
Hamas Declares No Disarmament Without Palestinian State Recognition
Hamas Declares No Disarmament Without Palestinian State Recognition
The militant group insists on sovereignty as a precondition for ceasing hostilities amidst ongoing tensions.
Hamas has reiterated its refusal to disarm until a sovereign Palestinian state is established, pushing back against Israeli demands within ongoing ceasefire talks in Gaza. The group’s declaration was a reaction to claims attributed to US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, suggesting that Hamas had shown willingness to relinquish its weapons. Disarmament is one of Israel's principal conditions for ceasing military operations.
Recent indirect negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage releases have stalled, as Arab governments have pressured Hamas to cede control of Gaza. This comes on the heels of announcements from several Western nations—including France and Canada—indicating plans to recognize Palestine as a state. The UK also stated it would consider recognition if certain conditions were unmet by September.
In a statement, Hamas, classified as a terrorist organization in the US, UK, and EU, asserted that it could not abandon its resistance or armaments until an "independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital" is realized.
Israeli Defense Forces Lt Gen Eyal Zamir recently warned of an escalation in hostilities if negotiations for hostage releases do not progress swiftly. The family of hostage Evyatar David expressed distress after Hamas released a video showing him in degrading conditions, accusing the group of using him as a propaganda pawn.
During Witkoff's visit to Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government faced increasing pressure over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. UN agencies have reported crises, alleging man-made starvation, while Israel counters that humanitarian aid is not restricted.
On his visit, Witkoff engaged with families of Israeli captives as protests at a well-known site for hostages' relatives intensified, with calls for his assistance echoing throughout the square. He emphasized that peace negotiations should prioritize securing hostages and ending violence rather than pursuing partial agreements.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza grows more severe; the UN reports that over 1,373 Palestinians have perished seeking food since late May, primarily due to military action near aid distribution points. Conversely, the Israeli military has claimed it does not target civilians intentionally.
The conflict escalated following the Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and numerous hostages taken. The Gaza Strip has seen over 60,000 fatalities in the ensuing Israeli military campaign, with malnutrition contributing to significant mortality, especially among children, according to Hamas's health ministry.
Recent indirect negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage releases have stalled, as Arab governments have pressured Hamas to cede control of Gaza. This comes on the heels of announcements from several Western nations—including France and Canada—indicating plans to recognize Palestine as a state. The UK also stated it would consider recognition if certain conditions were unmet by September.
In a statement, Hamas, classified as a terrorist organization in the US, UK, and EU, asserted that it could not abandon its resistance or armaments until an "independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital" is realized.
Israeli Defense Forces Lt Gen Eyal Zamir recently warned of an escalation in hostilities if negotiations for hostage releases do not progress swiftly. The family of hostage Evyatar David expressed distress after Hamas released a video showing him in degrading conditions, accusing the group of using him as a propaganda pawn.
During Witkoff's visit to Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government faced increasing pressure over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. UN agencies have reported crises, alleging man-made starvation, while Israel counters that humanitarian aid is not restricted.
On his visit, Witkoff engaged with families of Israeli captives as protests at a well-known site for hostages' relatives intensified, with calls for his assistance echoing throughout the square. He emphasized that peace negotiations should prioritize securing hostages and ending violence rather than pursuing partial agreements.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza grows more severe; the UN reports that over 1,373 Palestinians have perished seeking food since late May, primarily due to military action near aid distribution points. Conversely, the Israeli military has claimed it does not target civilians intentionally.
The conflict escalated following the Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and numerous hostages taken. The Gaza Strip has seen over 60,000 fatalities in the ensuing Israeli military campaign, with malnutrition contributing to significant mortality, especially among children, according to Hamas's health ministry.
