Hamas leader refuses disarmament amid ongoing Israeli occupation of Gaza

Hamas Leader Khaled Meshaal Speaks at Al Jazeera Forum

Khaled Meshaal, head of Hamas abroad, addressed the Al Jazeera Forum in Doha on Sunday, discussing the ongoing efforts to neutralize Palestinian armed resistance. According to Meshaal, the discussion around Hamas handing over its weapons is part of a long-standing effort to address this issue.

Meshaal stated that disarmament would put Palestinians at risk of being easily targeted by Israel, which he described as an occupied entity. He emphasized the need for a stable environment that allows reconstruction and relief, ensuring that conflict between Gaza and Israel does not reignite.

The US President’s recent call for comprehensive demilitarization of Hamas has been met with resistance from the group. Meshaal argued that disarmament is not a viable solution, citing the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza and the failure to withdraw from occupied territory.

Meshaal proposed an alternative approach, suggesting that Hamas’s five-to-seven-year truce proposal could provide a guarantee that its military wing would not be used. He also pointed out that the international community has recognized the Palestinian state, with 159 countries approving or recognizing it.

Meshaal emphasized that resistance is a right for occupied people and part of international law and heavenly religions. He highlighted the need to address the underlying issue of occupation and self-determination, which he believes is essential to resolving the conflict.

The US-mediated “ceasefire” deal between Israel and Hamas has been criticized for its failure to address key issues, including Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory. Meshaal’s comments underscore the ongoing challenges in achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera