Hamas Leader Rejects Disarmament Amid Ongoing Israeli Occupation

Hamas Leader Rejects Disarmament Amid Ongoing Israeli Occupation

Hamas’s political leader abroad, Khaled Meshaal, has rejected calls to disarm Palestinian factions in Gaza. Speaking at the Al Jazeera Forum in Doha, he argued that stripping weapons from an occupied people would leave them vulnerable to Israeli military action.

International Law and Resistance

Meshaal emphasized resistance as a right for people under occupation, citing international law and religious principles. He stressed the importance of maintaining armed resistance in the face of ongoing Israeli aggression.

US-Mediated Ceasefire Failures

He discussed the US-mediated ceasefire, highlighting Israel’s refusal to withdraw from the Yellow Line in Gaza. This has led to significant loss of life and ongoing violence, with Israel continuing deadly attacks despite the ceasefire agreement.

Calls for International Recognition

Meshaal called for international recognition of the Palestinian cause and urged Arab and Muslim states to pursue diplomatic offensives to isolate Israel and challenge its occupation. He referenced the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel as a turning point in the conflict.

Proposals for Prolonged Truce

Meshaal proposed an extended truce of 5 to 10 years as an alternative to disarming. He stated that with mediators like Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt, there has been an understanding of Hamas’s vision on this issue.

‘Resistance is a right for people under occupation; it is part of international law and the heavenly religions. Resistance is part of the memory of nations,’ he added.