Why it matters:
The ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas are at a standstill, with Israel pushing for a disarmament clause, while Hamas insists on maintaining its resistance capabilities as a fundamental right to defend Palestine.
What he's saying:
Mahmoud Mardawi, a senior Hamas leader, emphasized that the disarmament of Palestinian resistance groups is "non-negotiable." He described Israel's proposal as part of an old Zionist-American strategy aimed at stripping Palestinians of their ability to defend themselves and resist occupation.
Key points:
- Hamas stresses that their weapons are not just military tools but symbols of Palestinian identity, resistance to occupation, and the struggle for sovereignty, ensuring the survival of the Palestinian cause.
- Hamas perceives Israel's disarmament proposal to weaken Palestinian resistance and consolidate Israeli control over Palestinian territories.
Go deeper:
The disarmament demand by Israel is viewed by many Palestinians as an existential threat, potentially leaving them vulnerable to further Israeli aggression without the means to defend themselves.
ahmad shirzadian
