Hamas has firmly denied reports suggesting it agreed to give up its weapons during recent Gaza ceasefire talks with Israel. The Palestinian resistance group says such claims are false and that it maintains a "national and legal" right to defend its people against Israeli occupation and aggression in Palestinian lands.
This response comes after remarks by Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, during a private meeting with families of Israeli captives in Gaza. According to Israeli media outlet Haaretz, Witkoff claimed Hamas was ready to be disarmed — a statement Hamas has outright rejected.
In a strong statement, Hamas said that resistance is not only a right but a duty as long as Israeli occupation continues. The group emphasized that its weapons symbolize the ongoing struggle for Palestinian sovereignty, including the creation of a fully independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
The controversy grew after Witkoff visited a U.S.- and Israeli-supported food distribution site operated by the GHF in Gaza. Hamas criticized the visit as a "staged show," accusing the U.S. of trying to mislead the world about the real humanitarian crisis, worsened by Israel's ongoing blockade.
According to the UN, over 1,300 Palestinians have died while seeking food at GHF sites since May, adding to global outrage. Despite this, Washington recently approved $30 million in support for GHF operations in Gaza.
International support for Palestinian statehood is also rising. At the recent UN conference, the UK hinted it may recognize Palestine in September if Israel fails to implement a ceasefire.
Source: https://muslimnews.com.ng/2025/08/03/hamas-denies-disarmament-claim-calls-us-envoys-gaza-visit-a-staged-show/