Hamas Declares: No Disarmament Without an Independent Palestinian State

Hamas Declares: No Disarmament Without an Independent Palestinian State

On August 2, 2025, Hamas issued a firm and defiant statement, declaring it will not surrender its weapons unless a fully sovereign Palestinian state is established with Jerusalem as its capital. The announcement comes amid increasing international pressure for peace in Gaza and the transfer of governance to the Palestinian Authority (PA).

Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan stated clearly, “Disarmament is out of the question. Armed resistance is a legitimate national right for the Palestinian people.” He added that any group cooperating with efforts to disarm Hamas would be treated like an enemy, no different from Israel.

This position deals a serious blow to diplomatic efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and the United Nations, all of which have urged Hamas to step aside and allow the Palestinian Authority to take over Gaza for the sake of reconstruction and long-term peace.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority has expressed willingness to govern Gaza under an internationally backed transitional arrangement, but only if Hamas agrees to fully disarm and relinquish political control.

Hamas’s announcement comes at a critical time. Negotiations for a long-term ceasefire—which included the release of Israeli hostages and expanded humanitarian aid—have recently collapsed. The primary reason: Hamas’s refusal to give up its arms. Israel has consistently demanded Hamas's full dismantlement—both militarily and politically—as a non-negotiable condition for peace.

Inside Gaza, public frustration with Hamas is growing. Since early 2025, mass protests have erupted across the Gaza Strip, demanding the end of Hamas rule and a return to stability. Human rights groups have reported violent crackdowns on demonstrators by Hamas security forces, raising concerns about internal repression and human rights violations.

At the heart of this impasse is Hamas’s belief that armed resistance is essential to preserving Palestinian dignity and rights, while many regional and global powers view disarmament as the key to rebuilding Gaza and achieving a political resolution.

In conclusion, Hamas’s refusal to disarm unless statehood is granted may appeal to hardliners, but it risks further isolating the group internationally. It also undermines efforts by regional allies who want a peaceful transition in Gaza. Until Hamas and other stakeholders find common ground, the cycle of violence and political deadlock is likely to continue, leaving both Palestinians and Israelis trapped in a long, uncertain conflict.

The world watches—but peace remains painfully out of reach.