In a significant development amid ongoing conflict, Hamas has stated its refusal to disarm until a sovereign Palestinian state is recognized, rejecting key Israeli demands related to ceasefire negotiations.
Hamas Stands Firm on Disarmament Amid Rising Tensions in Gaza Conflict

Hamas Stands Firm on Disarmament Amid Rising Tensions in Gaza Conflict
Hamas declares disarmament contingent upon establishment of a Palestinian state in response to Israeli demands.
Hamas has confirmed that it will not disarm unless there is an establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, responding to claims made by US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff about possible disarmament. Israel has insisted that disarmament is critical for any ceasefire agreement, as indirect negotiations have stalled. Pressure from Arab governments has increased recently, urging Hamas to relinquish its arms and control of Gaza, coinciding with plans from several Western nations to recognize Palestinian statehood.
In a statement, Hamas emphasized its uncompromising stance on "resistance and its weapons" until an independent Palestinian state is established. This development comes amidst warnings from Israeli officials, including IDF Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, about the continuation of conflict if hostages are not rapidly released. Furthermore, families of Israeli hostages have expressed distress over the conditions of their loved ones, urging for immediate measures to facilitate their rescue.
As US envoy Witkoff visited Israel, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza became an urgent topic, with UN reports indicating mass starvation due to the ongoing blockade. Israel contends that it allows aid deliveries while attributing the humanitarian situation to Hamas's actions. The UN and other organizations have reported escalating casualties due to the conflict, including the deaths of thousands of Palestinians.
The situation remains precarious, with both humanitarian needs and hostages at the forefront of discussions, as international efforts seeking a resolution continue to face significant challenges in the region.
In a statement, Hamas emphasized its uncompromising stance on "resistance and its weapons" until an independent Palestinian state is established. This development comes amidst warnings from Israeli officials, including IDF Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, about the continuation of conflict if hostages are not rapidly released. Furthermore, families of Israeli hostages have expressed distress over the conditions of their loved ones, urging for immediate measures to facilitate their rescue.
As US envoy Witkoff visited Israel, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza became an urgent topic, with UN reports indicating mass starvation due to the ongoing blockade. Israel contends that it allows aid deliveries while attributing the humanitarian situation to Hamas's actions. The UN and other organizations have reported escalating casualties due to the conflict, including the deaths of thousands of Palestinians.
The situation remains precarious, with both humanitarian needs and hostages at the forefront of discussions, as international efforts seeking a resolution continue to face significant challenges in the region.