Hamas issues written statement on disarmament claims
RastinewsHamas has released a written statement addressing claims that it will lay down its weapons in the region. The statement said the group takes a positive approach to the negotiation process, but stressed that the issue of heavy weapons can only come to the table once specific conditions are fully met.
Hamas Stresses "Positive Approach" to Talks
Hamas said it was approaching mediators' proposals and the process toward the second phase of the ceasefire agreement with a responsible attitude.
The statement read:
"This position stems from our sensitivity toward protecting our people, meeting their humanitarian needs and preserving their national rights, and reflects the spirit of national consensus, partnership and responsibility reached among Palestinian factions."
First Step Depends on Israeli Commitments
The statement described the step as a starting point for ending Israeli attacks, and reiterated that implementation of the agreement's second phase depends on Tel Aviv fulfilling all provisions of the first phase.
"Red Line" Conditions on Heavy Weapons
Hamas tied its acceptance of including the heavy weapons file in the agreement to a set of strict conditions. The statement listed them as follows:
Halting all forms of attacks
A full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip
Ensuring early recovery and the administrative committee taking up its duties
Deployment of international protection forces
Dismantling armed gangs and militias set up by the Israeli administration
Launching the reconstruction process
Guaranteeing the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state
Background
Nikolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace's senior representative for Gaza, had announced that agreement had been reached on a roadmap envisioning Hamas's disarmament and a transition to civilian administration in the region. US President Donald Trump, in a social media post, had claimed that a historic agreement had been reached to fully disarm Hamas and other armed groups.