Hamas has reiterated its refusal to disarm unless an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established, dismissing what it called “false claims” of its willingness to lay down arms. The statement came in response to remarks attributed to US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who reportedly said the group had expressed readiness to surrender its weapons as part of indirect ceasefire talks. Hamas rejected the claim, reaffirming its “right to resistance” in the absence of a viable Palestinian state.
Negotiations and Israeli Stance: Disarming the group remains a central demand of Israel in ongoing negotiations, which have stalled despite renewed international efforts. The talks also aim to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, but a stalemate continues amidst worsening humanitarian conditions. Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the US, UK, and EU, asserted it would not abandon its weapons without political guarantees. “The resistance will not give up its weapons except as part of a comprehensive national agreement that ensures a fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital,” the group said.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Meanwhile, Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, warned there would be no let-up in operations if negotiations did not lead to the release of hostages. On Saturday, tensions escalated after Hamas released a video showing Israeli hostage Evyatar David in deteriorating health. In Gaza, UN agencies continue to warn of a “man-made famine,” with over 1,370 Palestinians reportedly killed while trying to access food since late May. The Israeli military denies targeting civilians, blaming Hamas for creating the chaos.
