… But Won’t Disarm Until Palestinian Statehood
According to a report by Times of Israel, on October 18, 2025, a senior Hamas representative has indicated the militant organization’s willingness to accept an extended ceasefire lasting up to five years, contingent upon Palestinians receiving concrete prospects for establishing statehood.
However, the group maintains it cannot commit to surrendering its weapons—a position that highlights significant obstacles in achieving lasting peace.
Mohammed Nazzal, a politburo member of Hamas, made these statements during a Reuters interview conducted in Doha, where the organization’s leadership has been based.
Nazzal justified the group’s recent security actions in Gaza, including public executions carried out earlier in the week, as necessary wartime measures targeting individuals guilty of serious criminal offenses.
When pressed about potential disarmament, Nazzal avoided providing a clear commitment, instead questioning the framework of such proposals.
He inquired about the specifics of any disarmament plan and which entity would assume control of surrendered weaponry.
The Hamas official emphasized that discussions surrounding arms involve multiple Palestinian factions and would necessitate broader Palestinian agreement.
Nazzal acknowledged an unspecified understanding regarding Hamas’s continued ground presence, which he characterized as essential for protecting humanitarian convoys from criminal elements and armed gangs.
He outlined a governance structure featuring a technocratic civilian administration during the interim period, with Hamas maintaining security responsibilities before eventual elections.
The Hamas representative stated that international mediators have not approached the organization about deploying a stabilization force to Gaza, despite such proposals appearing in recent peace plans.
Addressing long-term arrangements, Nazzal reiterated Hamas’s proposal for an extended truce spanning three to five years, emphasizing reconstruction rather than military preparation as the primary objective.
He stressed that future guarantees would depend on the international community providing meaningful pathways toward Palestinian aspirations.
COURTESY: Emmana
