For the first time, Arab and Muslim nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, have publicly called for Hamas to disarm and relinquish control over the Gaza Strip. This unprecedented stance came as part of a broader declaration signed during a United Nations conference co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France.
The conference was focused on promoting peace in the region and implementing a Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The declaration emphasized that governance and security across Palestinian territories should be managed exclusively by the Palestinian Authority (PA), with international support, and that Hamas must surrender its weapons as a step toward peace.
Global and Regional Powers Unite to Condemn Hamas and Support Palestinian Authority Rule
The declaration received strong international support, with the entire 22-member Arab League, the European Union, and 17 other countries endorsing the statement. It condemned the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel and proposed a “temporary international stabilization mission” in Gaza under United Nations oversight, upon the PA’s invitation.
Some UN member states expressed their willingness to contribute troops to the mission. France, co-host of the event, called the declaration “unprecedented,” highlighting a significant shift in regional dynamics with Arab and Muslim countries now openly condemning Hamas’s actions and expressing interest in future normalization with Israel.
The new declaration marks a turning point for key regional players like Qatar and Egypt, who have traditionally maintained open channels with both Hamas and Israel to mediate ceasefires.
While both countries have facilitated dialogue, their endorsement of Hamas’s disarmament signals a growing consensus that Hamas cannot remain in power if peace is to be achieved. Earlier in March, Egypt introduced a plan that excluded Hamas from post-war governance in Gaza, proposing a transitional Palestinian committee that would ultimately hand authority to the PA.
Western Powers Push for Palestinian Recognition Amid Hamas Resistance and Israeli Opposition
France and the United Kingdom have taken bold political steps, pledging to recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel agrees to a Gaza ceasefire. France reaffirmed its commitment at the UN conference, while the UK echoed this sentiment shortly afterward.
These moves have drawn sharp criticism from Israel and the United States, both of which oppose unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood. France’s position aligns with its co-leadership of the conference and its push for a diplomatic solution grounded in the Two-State framework.
Despite international pressure, Hamas has shown no indication of willingly surrendering control over Gaza. Internal contradictions within the group regarding its future role post-war only add to the uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains a staunch opponent of the Two-State Solution, citing national security concerns. His rejection adds a significant obstacle to the realization of the international community’s peace roadmap, even as global and regional powers shift toward a unified stance on Hamas’s role and Palestinian statehood.
