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Palestinian Arabs

Hamas's Stance on Disarmament and Security Control in Gaza: A Major Obstacle to Ending the War

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Hamas's insistence on maintaining security control in Gaza and its reluctance to disarm have been major obstacles to achieving a full end to the war in Gaza. Hamas politburo member Mohammed Nazzal said in an interview that the group is ready for a ceasefire of up to five years to rebuild devastated Gaza, but guarantees for the future would depend on Palestinians being given "horizons and hope" for statehood. This position highlights the difficulties facing US plans to secure an end to the war, as it does not align with US President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, which calls for Hamas to disarm and cede governance of Gaza to a technocratic committee.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hamas intends to maintain security control in Gaza during an interim period, according to a senior Hamas official.
  • Hamas politburo member Mohammed Nazzal said the group was ready for a ceasefire of up to five years to rebuild Gaza, but guarantees for the future would depend on Palestinians being given "horizons and hope" for statehood.
  • The US plan for Gaza, endorsed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calls for Hamas to disarm and cede governance of Gaza to a technocratic committee.
  • Hamas has handed over at least nine out of 28 bodies of deceased hostages, but is encountering technical problems recovering more.
  • A senior Turkish official said last week that Türkiye would take part in a joint task force with Israel, the US, Qatar, and Egypt to locate the bodies.
  • Nazzal said Hamas has suggested a long-term truce with Israel in meetings with US officials, and wanted a truce of at least three to five years to rebuild the Gaza Strip.
  • The goal of Hamas is not to prepare for a future war, but to provide "horizons and hope" for the Palestinian people.
  • Nazzal said the Palestinian people want an independent Palestinian state and that elections should take place after the transitional phase.

Statistics:

  • 1,200 people were killed by Hamas-led fighters during the October 7 attacks on Israel.
  • 251 people were abducted by Hamas during the October 7 attacks on Israel.
  • Almost 68,000 people were killed in Gaza by Israel's military response.
  • Hamas has handed over at least nine out of 28 bodies of deceased hostages.
  • Trump's September 29 plan for Gaza called for Hamas to disarm and cede governance of Gaza to a technocratic committee.
  • The plan also proposed an international stabilization force for Gaza, which was not discussed with Hamas by mediators.

Sources:

  • Reuters
  • US President Donald Trump
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
  • Hamas politburo member Mohammed Nazzal
  • A senior Turkish official
  • Saudi Research and Publishing Co.

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