Hamas Rejects Disarmament Calls Before Gaza Ceasefire Implementation

[Mudhab]

Hamas's armed wing has rejected calls to disarm before the first phase of a US-brokered Gaza ceasefire is fully implemented. In a statement on Sunday, spokesperson Abu Ubaida described such demands as an attempt to continue what he called genocide against the Palestinian people.

Abu Ubaida said discussing the issue of weapons "in a crude manner" is unacceptable and emphasized that Hamas will not give up its arms without proper guarantees. The group considers full implementation of the ceasefire by Israel a necessary precondition for any disarmament talks.

The issue of Hamas relinquishing its weapons has become a key obstacle in implementing US President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" plan for Gaza. This plan aims to cement a ceasefire that halted two years of deadly conflict between Israel and Palestinian resistance groups last October.

According to sources cited by Reuters, Hamas has told mediators it will not discuss disarmament unless Israel completely withdraws from Gaza. The group argues that discussing weapons before guarantees are met puts Palestinians at serious risk.

Abu Ubaida warned that pressure from mediators on Hamas regarding disarmament is "extremely dangerous" and could undermine the ceasefire agreement. The statement highlights deep mistrust between the sides, with security and sovereignty concerns dominating the talks.

The conflict has had devastating human consequences, with tens of thousands killed and infrastructure destroyed in Gaza. Hamas's stance reflects the ongoing tension in negotiating a lasting ceasefire while addressing both sides' security demands.

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