Hamas Leader Rejects Disarmament While Gaza Remains Occupied
Senior Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal has firmly rejected calls for Palestinian disarmament while Israeli occupation continues in Gaza, proposing instead a long-term truce lasting five to ten years as a pathway to regional stability.
Speaking at a conference in Doha on Sunday, Meshaal emphasized that Egypt's mediation efforts alongside Qatar and Turkey have been instrumental in advancing peace negotiations. The Hamas leader praised Egypt's constructive role in facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties.
"Disarming under occupation is an attempt to make our people an easy victim that can be eliminated," Meshaal stated, highlighting the complex security dynamics that have plagued the region for decades.
Egypt's Strategic Mediation Role
Meshaal acknowledged Egypt's pivotal position as a mediator, noting that Cairo has consistently worked to establish sustainable peace frameworks in the region. Egypt's diplomatic efforts, alongside those of Qatar and Turkey, have focused on creating security guarantees and reconstruction pathways for Gaza.
The Hamas leader emphasized that any serious discussion about Gaza's future must prioritize reconstruction and humanitarian relief, areas where Egypt has historically played a leading role in coordinating international aid efforts.
Proposed Long-Term Truce Framework
Hamas has proposed an extended calm period as a mechanism to reduce violence while maintaining legitimate resistance rights under international law. "This is a guarantee that arms are not deployed," Meshaal explained, suggesting that mediating countries could serve as guarantors for such an arrangement.
The proposal includes provisions for international forces along Gaza's borders, though Meshaal stressed that any protection mechanisms must operate without external interference or pressure from occupying forces.
Humanitarian Crisis Continues
Despite ceasefire agreements, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Israeli fire has resulted in at least 576 Palestinian casualties since the ceasefire began in October 2025, with the overall death toll exceeding 72,000 since October 2023, and more than 171,000 wounded.
Civilians continue to face severe shortages of food, water, medical supplies, and essential services under ongoing restrictions. Meshaal criticized the continued blockade, arguing that reopening border crossings alone would not enable Gaza's recovery without comprehensive reconstruction efforts.
Palestinian Self-Determination
Addressing international recognition of Palestinian statehood by 159 countries, Meshaal noted this as positive progress but emphasized that "the real challenge is how to make a Palestinian state a reality on the ground."
He firmly rejected any form of external governance, stating: "We adhere to our national principles and reject the logic of guardianship, external intervention, or the return of a mandate in any form. Palestinians are to govern Palestinians."
The Hamas leader called for balanced approaches from international mediators, particularly praising Egypt's consistent support for Palestinian self-determination and reconstruction efforts that respect Palestinian sovereignty over their territories.