Newsletters
Hamas has firmly denied claims that it agreed to disarm as part of ongoing cease-fire and prisoner exchange negotiations in Gaza, declaring that resistance remains a legitimate right under international law as long as the Israeli occupation persists.
In response to reports quoting U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff as saying, "Hamas has agreed to lay down its arms," the group released a statement on its official Telegram channel.
“As long as the occupation continues, resistance and bearing arms remain our national and legal right,” the statement read, citing international norms in support of their position.
Hamas clarified that the group would not consider disarmament unless all Palestinian national rights are fully achieved.
Hamas reiterated that any talk of disarmament is conditional upon the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with full sovereignty and Jerusalem as its capital.
“Foremost among these rights is the establishment of a fully sovereign and independent Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital,” the group emphasized.
The rumors originated during a meeting between Witkoff and families of Israeli captives in Tel Aviv.
While Witkoff reportedly expressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s determination to end the war, some attendees claimed he also mentioned that Hamas had agreed to disarm, which triggered wide controversy.
1 min read
5 min read
