Gaza City (Web Desk):The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has firmly stated that it will not disarm until the establishment of a fully independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
The statement comes amid increasing international pressure for a ceasefire and disarmament in exchange for diplomatic progress.
In an interview, senior Hamas official Mohammad Nazzal rejected Israel’s reported demand that Hamas give up its weapons before any formal statehood is achieved. "This condition is unacceptable," said Nazzal. "Throughout history, no national liberation movement has laid down arms before achieving its freedom." He cited examples from South Africa, Algeria, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Ireland.
Nazzal stressed that Hamas considers disarmament only possible after a Palestinian state is established with full sovereignty. He added that the organization is currently reviewing a new peace proposal put forward by the U.S. President and will issue an official stance soon.
According to media reports, the American plan includes a 20-point framework involving an immediate ceasefire, exchange of hostages and prisoners, phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, disarmament of Hamas, and the formation of a transitional Palestinian government.
The U.S. has reportedly given Hamas a limited timeframe to respond to the proposal.
Historically, Hamas has maintained that any agreement must include three non-negotiable conditions: complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, a permanent ceasefire, and the guaranteed return of displaced Palestinian families.
This latest statement from Hamas underscores its longstanding position and presents a potential challenge to ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.