Hamas Set to Transfer Arms to New Palestinian State, Senior Official Confirms
In a recent interview with Qatar’s Al Jazeera network, Abu Marzouk, a prominent figure in Hamas, emphasized the group’s commitment to the future of Gaza and the Palestinian people. He stated that Hamas is prepared to hand over its weapons to a future Palestinian state, underscoring that the fate of Gaza is a national issue that cannot be decided by Hamas alone.
Abu Marzouk articulated the group’s stance on the peace process, noting that while Hamas accepts the “main outlines” of Donald Trump’s proposal, its implementation necessitates detailed negotiations through mediators. He remarked, “Hamas will negotiate all issues related to the movement and its weapons,” indicating that discussions will encompass:
- Peacekeeping force details
- Operational aspects
- Governance of Gaza
He further clarified that the arms of the resistance group would be transferred “to whoever governs Gaza within the coming Palestinian state.” In his remarks, he emphasized, “The future of our people is a national question,” urging the United States to “look positively at the future of the Palestinian people.”
Abu Marzouk also confirmed a “national agreement” to transition Gaza’s administration to independent figures who align with the Palestinian Authority. He firmly rejected any attempts to label Hamas as a terrorist organization, maintaining that it is fundamentally a “national liberation movement.”
In a significant development, Hamas has expressed approval for the release of all Israeli captives and the delivery of bodies, alongside the transfer of Gaza’s administration to a neutral Palestinian technocratic body, as part of its response to Trump’s plan. The group insists that other elements of the proposal, particularly those addressing Gaza’s future and the rights of the Palestinian people, must be collectively decided by all national factions and adhere to international law.
Palestinian sources, as reported by Anadolu, reveal that Hamas has submitted its formal response to mediators, actively seeking clarifications on various clauses within the proposal. The group has engaged in “in-depth consultations within its leadership and with Palestinian factions, mediators, and allies” before finalizing its position.
The White House plan, unveiled on September 29, outlines several key points aimed at stabilizing the region:
- Immediate ceasefire
- Reconstruction of Gaza
- Creation of a transitional governance mechanism to manage Gaza’s political and security affairs
This proposal seeks to establish Gaza as a “weapons-free zone,” overseen by an international body, with Trump himself directing the efforts. In a recent statement, Trump remarked that Hamas’s response indicates a willingness for “lasting peace,” calling on Israel to “immediately stop bombing Gaza so that hostages can be freed safely.”
He further noted, “This is not only about Gaza; this is about long-sought peace in the Middle East.”
Since the escalation of violence in October 2023, Israel’s ongoing bombardment and siege have tragically resulted in the deaths of nearly 66,300 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, leaving the enclave in a state of devastation. The 2.4 million residents of Gaza are currently living under a stringent blockade that has severely restricted access to food, medicine, and fuel, leading to famine-like conditions described by UN agencies as catastrophic.
Human rights organizations have consistently condemned the Israeli regime for what they characterize as collective punishment and systematic war crimes. Meanwhile, the Palestinian resistance asserts that any genuine peace must commence with the cessation of occupation, the lifting of the blockade, and the restoration of the rights of the Palestinian people.
As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that ensures peace and justice for all parties involved.
