Hamas has asserted it will not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is established, directly challenging a critical demand from Israel to conclude the ongoing war in Gaza. This statement marks a significant moment in the protracted conflict, highlighting the complexities surrounding peace negotiations.
Indirect discussions between Hamas and Israel, aimed at brokering a 60-day ceasefire and facilitating the release of hostages, ended last week without progress. On March 26, 2024, Qatar and Egypt, acting as mediators in the ceasefire efforts, supported a declaration from France and Saudi Arabia that outlined steps towards a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As part of this initiative, Hamas is expected to transfer its arms to the Western-backed Palestinian Authority.
In its latest statement, Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, emphasized that it cannot relinquish its “right to armed resistance” unless a “fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital” is established. Israel regards the disarmament of Hamas as a fundamental condition for any peace agreement, yet Hamas has consistently refused to disarm.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously described any future independent Palestinian state as a potential threat to Israel’s existence. He expressed concerns that such a state would serve as a base for anti-Israel activities and asserted that security control over Palestinian territories must remain with Israel. Netanyahu also criticized several nations, including the UK and Canada, for their intentions to recognize a Palestinian state in light of the devastation resulting from Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The current conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 hostages. In retaliation, Israel commenced a military offensive in Gaza, which has led to over 60,000 Palestinian deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis.
Both sides have exchanged accusations following the breakdown of the recent negotiations, particularly over the conditions of an Israeli military withdrawal. In a tragic incident on Saturday, Israeli forces opened fire near two aid distribution sites operated by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 civilians who were seeking food.
This violence occurred shortly after a visit from US officials to a GHF site, where the US ambassador remarked on the organization’s efforts as “an incredible feat.” Almost a week has elapsed since Israel announced limited humanitarian pauses and airdrops, aimed at alleviating the suffering of Gaza’s over two million residents. However, the United Nations and humanitarian partners have reported that the volume of aid entering Gaza remains insufficient, with significant supplies still awaiting Israeli approval at the border.
Trucks delivering aid are often stripped of supplies by desperate individuals and criminal gangs before they can reach designated warehouses for distribution. Experts have warned that a “worst-case scenario of famine” is unfolding in the besieged enclave, prompting urgent calls for increased humanitarian assistance.
As the situation continues to develop, the international community remains engaged in discussions to find a resolution that addresses both the immediate humanitarian needs and the long-standing political issues at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
