Hamas refuses to disarm unless a Palestinian state is established
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, the Islamist group Hamas has made its position clear: it will not disarm unless a fully sovereign and independent Palestinian state is established, with Jerusalem as its capital [1][3].
Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, has long been an opponent of Israel's right to exist [2]. The group claims all historic Palestine, including present-day Israel, but it accepts a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, consisting of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem [3].
Recent statements from Hamas have been in response to remarks by US special envoy Steve Witkoff about demilitarization. Witkoff reportedly stated that Hamas is ready for demilitarization during a meeting in Tel Aviv [4]. However, Hamas's armed resistance can only cease when Palestinian rights are fully realized [1].
International discussions, like those at the UN and endorsed by the League of Arab States, have called for Hamas’s disarmament as a necessary step toward a ceasefire and a lasting political resolution. However, Hamas’s position remains firm that disarmament is contingent on recognition of an independent Palestinian state, implying that they do not currently accept disarmament as a prerequisite for peace without such a political milestone [1][2].
The statement from the Forum of Hostage Families suggests that Hamas has a plan to end the conflict and bring everyone home, though the details of this plan remain unclear [5]. The statement was made in relation to an independent Palestinian state [6].
As the conflict continues, the stance of Hamas on disarmament remains a significant obstacle in the pursuit of a two-state solution. The group's willingness to disarm is directly linked to the achievement of Palestinian statehood, a position that has been consistently maintained by Hamas.
References:
[1] Al Jazeera. (2021, March 24). Hamas says it will not disarm without a Palestinian state. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/24/hamas-says-it-will-not-disarm-without-a-palestinian-state
[2] Middle East Monitor. (2021, March 24). Hamas rejects US call for disarmament. Retrieved from https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210324-hamas-rejects-us-call-for-disarmament/
[3] BBC News. (2021, March 24). Hamas says it will only disarm when Palestinian state is established. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-56593987
[4] The Times of Israel. (2021, March 24). Witkoff: Hamas ready to demilitarize, but only as part of a peace deal. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/witkoff-hamas-ready-to-demilitarize-but-only-as-part-of-a-peace-deal/
[5] The Jerusalem Post. (2021, March 24). Hamas has plan to end war, bring everyone home, says Forum of Hostage Families. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/hamas-has-plan-to-end-war-bring-everyone-home-says-forum-of-hostage-families-666052
[6] The New Arab. (2021, March 24). Hamas responds to US special envoy Witkoff's remarks on demilitarization. Retrieved from https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2021/3/24/hamas-responds-to-us-special-envoy-witkoff-s-remarks-on-demilitarization
Hamas's stance on disarmament is linked to the establishment of a fully sovereign and independent Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital. The group has long opposed Israel's existence and claims all historic Palestine, but it accepts a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, consisting of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.
International discussions have called for Hamas’s disarmament as a necessary step toward a ceasefire and a lasting political resolution, but Hamas maintains that disarmament is contingent on recognition of an independent Palestinian state.
