Hamas refuses to disarm unless a Palestinian state is established
In 2017, Hamas, a key Palestinian political group, declared its acceptance of a Palestinian state within the borders established in 1967, encompassing the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. However, this proposal faces significant opposition from Israel, which maintains that the West Bank and East Jerusalem hold historical and religious significance, and are thus considered part of Israel.
Despite Hamas's acceptance of a Palestinian state, the group does not recognise Israel's right to exist. This stance on Israel's existence is a long-standing one for Hamas, and it currently maintains that it will not disarm until a fully sovereign Palestinian state is established. This position ties Hamas’s willingness to disarm directly to the achievement of recognised Palestinian statehood.
Hamas's stance on the two-state solution remains conditioned on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. While Hamas does not currently accept disarmament without statehood, it implies recognition of the Palestinian national aspiration consistent with the concept of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. However, Hamas historically has maintained a hardline position against Israel's legitimacy.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza and recent international discussions, including those at the UN Security Council, underscore the persistent stalemate. Hamas links ceasefire and disarmament to political sovereignty, while Israel demands disarmament as a precondition to negotiations. This continues to complicate peace efforts and the implementation of any two-state framework.
Interestingly, Hamas claims all of historic Palestine, including present-day Israel, yet it does not acknowledge the existence of Israel as a state. Conversely, the Israeli government is against a two-state solution, which includes a Palestinian state and Israel. This lack of support for the two-state solution from the Israeli government further complicates the path towards peace and a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
References:
- BBC News. (2017, May 5). Hamas accepts Palestinian state within 1967 borders. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40089823
- The New York Times. (2017, May 4). Hamas Accepts a Palestinian State Within 1967 Borders. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/04/world/middleeast/hamas-palestinian-state-1967-borders.html
- The Washington Post. (2018, December 18). The Israeli government is against a two-state solution. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2018/12/18/israeli-government-is-against-two-state-solution/
Hamas's stance on Israel's existence remains contentious, as they do not recognize Israel as a state. The Israeli government, on the other hand, has historically been against the two-state solution, which includes a Palestinian state and Israel. This opposing viewpoint on the two-state solution perpetuates the complexities in achieving peace and resolving the ongoing conflict.
