Hamas Declares: No Disarmament Until Independent Palestinian State is Established

Hamas has firmly stated that it will not disarm until a fully sovereign Palestinian state is established with Jerusalem as its capital. In a statement released on Saturday (July 2), the group reiterated its unwavering stance on the issue.

According to Hamas, it has the legitimate right to resist Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. The group also criticized the visit of U.S. Special Representative for Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff, to Gaza, calling it politically motivated and dismissive of the aspirations of the Palestinian people.

Hamas has reiterated that it will continue armed resistance as a legitimate national struggle until a fully sovereign Palestinian state is established with Jerusalem as its capital. The group denied claims made by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff that Hamas showed interest in disarmament, calling the statement false.

In response to ongoing Israeli aggression since October 7, 2023, which has killed over 60,000 and injured more than 150,000 Palestinians in Gaza, Hamas stated it will not enter new negotiations until the humanitarian crisis eases and Israeli occupation ends.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu blames Hamas’ stance for failed peace talks, while Hamas accuses Israel of deliberately imposing unrealistic conditions to block any agreement.

Israel continues to push for Hamas’ disarmament as a key condition for any long-term ceasefire in Gaza. However, Hamas has consistently rejected this demand. Just last week, indirect talks between Hamas and Israel collapsed once again, largely due to the unresolved issue of disarmament.