The Palestinian resistance group Hamas firmly denied plans to disarm.
They said they will only consider giving up arms if a fully independent Palestinian state is achieved, with Jerusalem as its capital.
This statement followed reports by Israeli newspaper Haaretz, quoting U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.
He reportedly said Hamas was ready to be "demilitarised" and peace was near.
In response, Hamas issued a Telegram statement rejecting those reports as misleading.
They emphasized that resistance is a legitimate right under international law.
"As long as the occupation continues, our resistance remains justified," Hamas stated.
They clarified that any talk of giving up weapons is false and politically motivated.
The group stressed disarmament could only happen after national rights are secured.
These include freedom, full sovereignty, and full Palestinian statehood.
Hamas concluded by reaffirming its commitment to liberation and rightful independence.
Jerusalem, they declared, must be the capital of that future state.
Source: https://trt.global/world/article/3e68acf9a1c7