Hamas' armed wing has rejected calls for disarmament before Israel fully implements the first phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza. The group views these demands as an attempt to continue what it calls genocide against Palestinians, according to The Guardian. In a televised statement, Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida said raising the issue of weapons "in a crude manner" would not be accepted.
Key Takeaways
Hamas' armed wing has rejected calls for disarmament before Israel fully implements the first phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza. The group views these demands as an attempt to continue what it calls genocide against Palestinians.
- Hamas rejects disarmament talks without Israeli withdrawal guarantees
- Four Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrike, medics report
- Over 700 Palestinians killed since the ceasefire began, according to Gaza health authorities
- Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violating the ceasefire terms
Hamas has told mediators it will not discuss disarmament without guarantees that Israel will completely withdraw from Gaza. This demand is a major obstacle in talks to implement U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza, aimed at cementing the ceasefire and ending the war in the besieged territory.
Meanwhile, an Israeli airstrike killed four Palestinians in northern Gaza on Sunday, according to local health authorities reported by Reuters. The Israeli military said forces struck and killed members of a Palestinian militant cell who posed an immediate threat. Since the ceasefire began last October, Hamas and Israel have repeatedly accused each other of violating its terms.
The Gaza health ministry says Israeli fire has killed at least 700 people since the ceasefire began. According to Reuters, Israel claims four soldiers have been killed by militants in Gaza over the same period. Hamas' October 2023 attacks on Israel killed 1,200 people, while Israel's ensuing campaign has resulted in more than 72,000 Palestinian deaths, most of them civilians.
Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida also condemned Israel's role in the U.S.-Israel war on Iran and its renewed offensive against Lebanon. He commended Iran, Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthis for their continued strikes against Israel. The conflict has had significant impacts on global politics and economies.
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