Hamas Leaders Reject Disarmament Demands
Hamas leaders have voiced strong opposition to disarming, claiming that surrendering weapons would “criminalize resistance” and asserting that Gaza will never accept “foreign domination.” This comes as the U.S. moves to implement the second phase of President Trump’s 20-point peace plan.
At the 17th Al Jazeera Forum in Doha, Khalid Machar, former chief executive of Hamas and current head of its diaspora office, dismissed proposals for disarmament, which are fundamental to Trump’s Gaza plan. He argued that linking disarmament to reconstruction is unacceptable.
On October 7, 2023, Machar criticized the recent Hamas-led attack in southern Israel. He stated that it placed the “Palestinian cause” back into the global spotlight and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to “resistance.” Palestinians, he suggested, take pride in their “resistance,” which he believes justifies ongoing violence against Israelis and the retention of arms.
Supporters called for intensified diplomatic efforts against Israel, asserting that the Jewish state is losing its international legitimacy due to changing attitudes in Western societies, academic institutions, and on social media.
Machar acknowledged Qatar’s support for Palestine, expressing that it was an “honor” to have the country backing their cause.
Hamas is categorized as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union, and Machar faces charges in the U.S. related to terrorism and conspiracy linked to the October 7 attack. He stressed that any attempts to criminalize resistance or its weapons are things Palestinians should not accept, claiming that armed “resistance” remains justified as long as occupation persists.
While Hamas has ostensibly supported a broader ceasefire, Machar maintained that its arsenal is non-negotiable. He emphasized that demands for disarmament equate to stripping Palestinians of their identity and their right to defense.
In negotiations for potential disarmament, Machar suggested a long ceasefire lasting five to ten years, where Hamas would refrain from using weapons, under the mediation of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. However, he fell short of promising to dismantle or hand over military assets.
He also expressed strong opposition to any international governance mechanisms foreseen in Trump’s plan, asserting that Palestinians should govern themselves without external intervention. “Gaza belongs to the people of Gaza and to Palestine,” he stated. “We will not accept foreign domination.”
This response comes as the White House plans to advance the second phase of Trump’s Gaza framework, which demands Hamas disarmament as a precondition for any reconstruction efforts.
Trump has repeatedly mentioned that Hamas agreed to disarm as part of the negotiations, warning of serious consequences should they fail to comply. “If they don’t do that, it’s going to blow over pretty quickly,” he said last month during an event in Davos.
Machar’s assertions reflect his earlier speech in Istanbul, where he mocked disarmament terms and proclaimed their weaponry as a source of honor, despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Other Hamas figures have echoed similar sentiments, with Moussa Abu Marzouk stating that the group has not even considered disarmament.
Trump’s plan connects Gaza’s reconstruction to a review of its demilitarization, expecting governance to be directed by an International Stabilization Force once Hamas’s military framework is dismantled. Israeli officials have warned that military actions may resume if Hamas does not comply, while reconstruction aid would only flow into areas free of terrorism.
Machar’s recent comments highlight the ongoing disconnect between Hamas’s public narrative and the expectations detailed in the ceasefire conditions, which have reached a crucial point.
