A top Hamas figure spoke with the Al-Araby Al-Jadeed newspaper about circulating reports of a Saudi-French proposal that would see Hamas give up its arms and place them under the control of a civilian authority in Gaza.
The representative firmly rejected the notion that any such talks had occurred, stating that neither Saudi nor French officials had initiated any contact, and emphasized that the idea of Hamas surrendering its weapons is not being considered in any form.
“The resistance’s weapons are a red line, and the matter is completely closed with the agreement of all armed factions in the Strip—not just Hamas,” the official asserted.
He also denounced international mediation attempts that push for disarmament without addressing key Palestinian conditions. “Any diplomatic activity that does not require Israel to withdraw from the Strip and allow aid to enter is a service to the Netanyahu government, which is struggling to withstand international pressure due to images of children killed in Gaza.”
According to the official, Hamas has informed go-betweens that the organization is not clinging to control over Gaza if stepping aside could help end the war, rebuild the region, and facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance.
Reaffirming earlier statements, he noted Hamas’s willingness to release all captives at once, stressing that some are wounded and all are enduring the same dire circumstances as the broader population in Gaza. “like the rest of Gaza’s residents.”
He concluded with a warning that diplomatic pressure would not succeed where military efforts have failed. “What Netanyahu failed to achieve on the battlefield, he will not succeed in achieving at the negotiating table.”
{Matzav.com}