Arab states demand Hamas to disarm in groundbreaking statement

Arab and Muslim nations have made a historic demand for Hamas to disarm and cede control in Gaza.

Arab states unite in calling for Hamas disarmament and power transition

For the first time, Arab and Muslim states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, have unified in calling for Hamas to disarm and relinquish control of the Gaza Strip. This landmark declaration was made during a United Nations conference co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France. The 22-member Arab League, alongside the European Union and 17 other nations, endorsed the statement aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The declaration emphasizes that governance and security in Palestinian territories should be restored to the Palestinian Authority, supported by international efforts. It also condemned Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and proposed the deployment of international forces to facilitate stability. Despite this historic call, Hamas has shown no clear intention to yield power, emphasizing a complex and tense political landscape ahead.

This unprecedented move signals a significant shift in Arab countries' stance towards Hamas, traditionally seen as a pivotal player in Palestinian politics. The endorsement of a joint declaration calling for disarmament reflects growing frustration among Arab states with the ongoing violence and their shifting priorities towards normalization with Israel. It also indicates a breaking away from decades of support for armed resistance against Israel. As discussions on a potential two-state solution intensify, these developments may reshape the Palestinian governance structure, though the resilience of Hamas poses a considerable challenge. The world watches closely as regional dynamics evolve and as previous allegiances face scrutiny in this new geopolitical context.

Highlights

The implications of this joint stance will unfold as geopolitical tensions continue to rise.