Hamas has reiterated its firm stance that it will not disarm unless a fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established. This declaration came in response to claims made by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who reportedly suggested that Hamas had shown a willingness to lay down its arms.
Hamas strongly denied these claims, emphasizing that the right to armed resistance remains non-negotiable in the absence of statehood. Israel, however, maintains that the disarmament of Hamas is a fundamental condition for any ceasefire agreement, underscoring the wide gap between the two sides.
Ceasefire Talks Stalled as Global Pressure Mounts and Gaza’s Crisis Deepens Further
Indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have recently stalled, despite mounting international pressure. Several Arab governments have urged Hamas to disarm, particularly in light of recent announcements by Western nations like France and Canada expressing support for recognizing a Palestinian state.
The UK has indicated it may follow suit if Israel fails to meet specific conditions by September. These developments place increasing diplomatic strain on both Hamas and the Israeli government, which continues to demand Hamas’ full disarmament as a prerequisite to peace.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread reports of starvation and inadequate aid reaching civilians. The Israeli military continues operations in Gaza, insisting it does not restrict aid deliveries, despite contrary claims by UN agencies.
Hostage-related tensions have escalated further following the release of a disturbing video of Evyatar David, an Israeli hostage held by Hamas. His family accused Hamas of using starvation as a propaganda tool and called on Israel and the U.S. to intensify efforts to secure his release.
U.S. Envoy Urges Full Peace Deal Amid Mounting Gaza Deaths and Humanitarian Crisis
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Middle East envoy, has been actively engaging with Israeli officials and hostage families during his visit. In Tel Aviv, he was welcomed by families of those still held in Gaza, who appealed for urgent action.
Witkoff emphasized the need for a comprehensive peace deal that secures the return of all hostages and ends the conflict, rather than pursuing partial agreements. His visit also included a controversial inspection of an aid site in southern Gaza, where humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate.
Since the Israeli military campaign began in response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, the death toll has soared. More than 60,000 people in Gaza have reportedly been killed, with malnutrition claiming 169 lives, including 93 children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Meanwhile, Israel has accused Hamas of creating chaos at aid distribution sites and insists its troops do not deliberately harm civilians. UN figures report that at least 1,373 Palestinians have been killed seeking food since May, many near Israeli and U.S.-backed humanitarian aid points, further highlighting the tragic toll of the conflict.
