Hamas Says No Disarmament Without Full Israeli Withdrawal

Hamas has told mediators it will not discuss disarmament unless Israel fully withdraws from Gaza, according to sources and statements from the group’s armed wing.

Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing, said calls to disarm the group were an attempt to continue what he described as “genocide” against Palestinians. He said such demands would not be accepted “under any circumstances.”

Reuters reported that U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace team had presented Hamas with a written proposal explaining how the group could give up its weapons. The issue remains one of the main obstacles to implementing Washington’s broader Gaza ceasefire plan.

Abu Ubaida also urged mediators to pressure Israel to implement the first phase of the ceasefire, accusing it of undermining the agreement. Hamas and Israel have repeatedly accused each other of violating the truce since it took effect in October.

The dispute over weapons has become central to efforts to move the ceasefire into a more durable political arrangement. Mediators have been trying to bridge gaps between Hamas’ demand for a full Israeli withdrawal and Israeli and U.S. insistence that Gaza cannot remain under armed Hamas control.

Disarmament has emerged as one of the most difficult issues in post-war negotiations over Gaza, alongside troop withdrawal, governance and reconstruction. Hamas sees its weapons as a core element of its leverage, while Israel and the United States view disarmament as essential to any long-term settlement.

Hamas’ latest stance suggests ceasefire talks remain fragile despite mediation efforts. Unless both sides narrow their differences over withdrawal and disarmament, a broader agreement is likely to remain out of reach.

The post Hamas Says No Disarmament Without Full Israeli Withdrawal appeared first on Khaama Press.