Hamas Rejects Full Disarmament Without Israeli Withdrawal from Gaza
Hamas has reiterated its stance that it will not surrender its heavy weaponry until Israeli troops withdraw completely from Gaza. This statement comes after an announcement by then-President Donald Trump regarding a peace board's agreement for Hamas's "total disarmament." The Palestinian group insists that the disarmament of heavy arms is "linked and conditioned" on Israel fulfilling ten demands. These include an end to all Israeli attacks in Gaza, where over 1,200 people have died despite a ceasefire, and the complete withdrawal of all troops from the Strip. Hamas also outlined other conditions, such as reconstruction, guarantees for self-determination, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, and the protection of citizens' rights, which are unlikely to be accepted by the Israeli government. Additional demands involve prompt recovery, the entry of the National Committee for Gaza Administration (NCAG), the deployment of international protection forces, and the dissolution of Israeli-backed armed groups. Hamas emphasized that the "occupation's commitment to stop killings and end its attacks is the fundamental requirement." The implementation of the second phase of the agreement is contingent upon Israel's commitment to all provisions of the first phase, referencing Trump's 20-point plan from September 29, 2025. This comes as several Palestinians were injured in an Israeli airstrike shortly after Trump's announcement, with Israeli forces having killed an average of four Palestinians daily in Gaza over the past ten months. Trump had stated the phased agreement would lead to Israeli troop withdrawal once disarmament was complete, with security managed by an International Stabilization Force and a new Palestinian police force, and arms storage overseen by the NCAG without Israeli involvement. However, the specifics of the agreement remain ambiguous, with ongoing doubts about mutual consent and timelines, especially given Israel's recent actions in Gaza.
The stated conditions from Hamas highlight the deep-seated conflict over sovereignty and security. Hamas's linkage of disarmament to Israeli withdrawal and statehood demands underscores a strategic position aiming for maximal concessions. The ambiguity surrounding the agreement announced by former President Trump suggests potential discrepancies between public declarations and the actual commitments made by parties. Future negotiations will likely grapple with the fundamental challenge of establishing trust and defining mutually acceptable security guarantees, particularly in light of historical patterns of conflict and territorial control. The geopolitical landscape's influence on these dynamics, including the role of international actors and regional stability, will be critical in determining the long-term viability of any peace process.
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