A senior Hamas figure said Tuesday that Israel’s insistence on the group laying down its weapons is being used to derail the next stage of the ceasefire framework, as negotiations continue over Gaza’s future.
Husam Badran, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, claimed that the proposed second phase of the agreement is meant to bring about a full pullout of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, the launch of large-scale reconstruction projects, the entry of extensive humanitarian assistance, and discussions over long-term political and administrative arrangements in the territory.
Badran maintained that what he called the group’s “right to resistance” is safeguarded by international law, arguing that Hamas’ arsenal serves as “self-defense against the occupation.” He said decisions regarding weapons are an internal Palestinian matter and should not be subject to pressure from outside actors.
He also asserted that Hamas has fully adhered to the obligations of the deal’s first phase, while accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of having “reneged on his commitments,” citing what he described as failures to reopen the Rafah border crossing and to withdraw Israeli forces from certain areas still under IDF control.
Previous reports have quoted another senior Hamas official as saying the organization is seeking to fold roughly 10,000 of its operatives into a newly formed security force under a Palestinian committee currently overseeing Gaza, a body that has the backing of the United States.
Israel has categorically rejected any role for Hamas in Gaza’s future leadership or security apparatus and has made clear that any long-term arrangement must include the group’s full and immediate disarmament.
On Monday, a senior US official said Washington views Hamas’ disarmament as potentially linked to “some sort of amnesty” for members of the organization, as part of broader efforts to advance President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza.
Under President Trump’s 20 point Gaza plan, once all hostages are released, Hamas members who agree to peaceful coexistence and dismantle their weapons would be granted amnesty, while those opting to leave Gaza would be allowed safe passage to host countries.
Trump has repeatedly cautioned Hamas that failure to comply with disarmament requirements would carry serious repercussions.
Last month, at a press conference following a meeting with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, Trump warned, “If they don’t disarm – as they agreed to do, they agreed to it – then there will be hell to pay for them, and we don’t want that. We’re not looking for that.”
“It’ll be horrible for them – horrible, really, really bad for them [if they don’t disarm]. I don’t want that to happen, but they made an agreement that they’re going to disarm,” added Trump.
{Matzav.com}
