Hamas categorically opposes disbanding its military capabilities unless a Palestinian state is established first.
Hamas Stands Firm on Disarmament and Sovereignty
In a recent development, US special envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly stated that Hamas is ready for demilitarization, a claim that has been met with resistance from the Islamic militant group.
At a meeting in Tel Aviv, Witkoff made remarks about hostages still being held in the Gaza Strip, suggesting that Hamas is open to disarmament. However, Hamas has not publicly agreed to demilitarization as stated by Witkoff.
The Forum of Hostage Families, based in Israel, made a statement regarding Witkoff's remarks, but details about their response are not currently available.
Hamas's stance on disarmament and demilitarization is clear: it will only consider these steps once a fully sovereign Palestinian state is established. This state, according to Hamas, should have East Jerusalem as its capital, a position shared by most Palestinian leadership.
The charter of Hamas, updated in 2017, outlines its acceptance of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, consisting of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. However, it's important to note that this charter does not acknowledge Israel's existence within the borders it proposes for a Palestinian state.
In a departure from this charter, Hamas claims all of historic Palestine, including present-day Israel. This claim is inconsistent with the Palestinian state it accepts within the 1967 borders, raising questions about its commitment to a two-state solution.
The Israeli government's stance against a two-state solution is based on historical and religious claims to the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The government maintains that these territories belong to Israel for these reasons.
This disagreement between Hamas and the Israeli government on the question of a two-state solution, as well as Hamas's refusal to disarm, continues to be a major obstacle in the path to peace in the region.
[1] Al Jazeera. (2021, March 23). Hamas rejects disarmament, demands sovereignty. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/23/hamas-rejects-disarmament-demands-sovereignty
[2] Middle East Eye. (2021, March 23). Hamas: We will not disarm until we have our own state. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/hamas-israel-gaza-war-ceasefire-talks-demilitarization
- The discussion around disarmament and demilitarization of Hamas is deeply intertwined with politics, war-and-conflicts, and general news, as demonstrated by Hamas's firm stance on disarming only after establishing a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
- Negotiations regarding Hamas's disarmament have been ongoing, but the group has not agreed to demilitarization, leading to continued obstacles in the pursuit of a two-state solution and peace in the region, a matter of significant importance in international politics and general news coverage.
