A senior Hamas official stated the movement will not lay down its arms before the end of the Zionist regime's occupation, as the movement issued a conditional response to a U.S. so-called "peace proposal", prompting a reaction from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Why it matters:
The refusal to disarm remains a central point of contention, underscoring the deep divide between the resistance movement's objectives and the demands of the Zionist regime and its allies.

The big picture:
The statements come amidst ongoing international efforts to broker a ceasefire and a political solution for Gaza's future. The issue of Hamas's weapons is one of the most complex and divisive elements in these negotiations.

What he is saying:
Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera  that  "the movement would not disarm before the Zionist regime occupation ends", adding "the issues concerning Gaza’s future should be addressed within a comprehensive Palestinian national framework—one in  which Hamas will actively participate."

Key points:

  • Hamas's response to the U.S. plan agreed to certain terms, such as a prisoner exchange, but avoided the issue of disarmament.
  • The official stated that "Hamas will enter negotiations on all issues related to the group and its arms."
  • U.S. President Donald Trump reacted on Truth Social, saying he believed the statement showed Hamas was "ready for a lasting PEACE."
  • Trump added that Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that "we can get the captives out safely and quickly!" and that "discussions on details" were already underway.

Go deeper:

Trump Escalates Hostile Threats Against Hamas Over Gaza Deal

M.Majdi - Mojtaba Darabi