Hamas Chief Declares Disarmament Conditional on Ending Occupation

URGENT UPDATE: Khalil al-Hayya, acting co-chair of Hamas’ political bureau, has just announced that the group will only disarm if the “occupation” ends, fundamentally challenging the framework of the US-backed peace deal. This declaration comes amid ongoing negotiations and raises critical questions about the future of peace in the region.

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, al-Hayya stated, “The question of disarmament is linked to the presence of the occupation and aggression,” asserting that Hamas will not lay down its arms until the occupation ceases. This bold claim complicates the current peace talks, which are based on the Trump peace plan that stipulates Hamas must disarm after the final hostages are returned and only after the IDF withdraws from Gaza.

The definition of “occupation” remains contentious, with Hamas frequently asserting that Israel’s very existence constitutes an occupation. Al-Hayya’s comments diverge sharply from a recent statement by the Palestinian Authority’s largest party, Fatah, which has rejected the idea of a technocratic governing committee for Gaza, insisting that the PLO is the sole legitimate governing body for both the West Bank and Gaza.

In further developments, al-Hayya mentioned a purported agreement with rival Palestinian factions, including Fatah, to establish such a committee. However, he provided no specifics on when or how this would occur, nor did he clarify whether Hamas members would participate. The political landscape is increasingly fraught, with both Israel and the US firmly opposing Hamas’s role in any future governance.

Meanwhile, in a separate interview with the BBC, Jordan’s King Abdullah expressed skepticism about the proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) included in the Trump plan. Countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan are anticipated to contribute troops, but Israel demands veto power over any participating nation, particularly to prevent Turkish soldiers from being deployed—a scenario Prime Minister Netanyahu views as unacceptable.

King Abdullah questioned the effectiveness of a peacekeeping mission, commenting, “What is the mandate of security forces inside of Gaza? We hope that it is peacekeeping, because if it’s peace-enforcing, nobody will want to touch that.” He emphasized that while Jordan and Egypt are prepared to support training local police forces in Gaza, any armed patrols could deter international involvement.

As tensions escalate, the implications for peace in the region are becoming increasingly dire. The future remains uncertain, with critical negotiations ongoing and both sides firmly entrenched in their positions.

What’s Next: Observers will closely monitor any developments in the ongoing negotiations and the potential reactions from the international community, especially regarding the role of Hamas and the proposed ISF.

Stay updated for more breaking news on this evolving situation.