Gaza: The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has firmly stated that it will not lay down its arms until a fully independent and sovereign Palestinian state is established. Senior Hamas official Mohammad Nazzal, in an exclusive interview, emphasized that Israel’s demand for Hamas to disarm before the creation of such a state is unacceptable.
Nazzal highlighted that throughout history, no liberation movement has surrendered its weapons before achieving freedom, citing examples from South Africa, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Algeria, and Ireland. He stressed that Hamas will only consider disarmament once a complete Palestinian state is realized.
Regarding the recent 20-point peace proposal presented by U.S. President Joe Biden, Nazzal confirmed that Hamas is currently reviewing the plan and will soon release an official stance aimed at exploring avenues to end the ongoing conflict.
He added that Hamas, as a resistance force, reserves the right to make decisions in the best interests of the Palestinian people.
The U.S. plan reportedly includes immediate ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of an interim government.
Sources indicate that the U.S. has given Hamas a deadline to respond. Historically, Hamas has maintained that it will only accept any peace proposal if it guarantees a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a permanent ceasefire, and the return of displaced families.
