Hamas Rejects Disarmament Without Independent Palestinian State Amid Gaza Crisis

Hamas has firmly denied reports attributed to US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff suggesting the group is willing to disarm, reiterating that it will not relinquish its arms unless an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established. The group emphasized that armed resistance is a legitimate national right recognized by international laws and conventions as long as the occupation continues. Hamas also criticized Witkoff's visit to a Gaza aid distribution center run by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, calling it a staged political performance designed to provide cover for Israel's actions in Gaza, which Hamas accuses of causing starvation and civilian casualties. Witkoff, who met with families of Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv, stated he believed a solution to end the war was close and claimed that multiple Arab governments are demanding Hamas demilitarize, though Hamas rejects these claims. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with reports of civilians killed near aid sites and ongoing tensions complicating ceasefire negotiations. Meanwhile, Israel denies accusations of genocide and insists it takes measures to avoid civilian harm, blaming Hamas for using human shields and obstructing aid delivery.