Hamas Rejects Israel’s Call for Disarmament, Proposes Comprehensive Prisoner Exchange

Hamas has firmly rejected Israel’s demand for its disarmament and removal from the Gaza Strip, stating that such conditions are unacceptable. The Palestinian group reiterated its position amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations, emphasizing that any future arrangements for Gaza must be determined through national consensus.

Hazem Qassem, a spokesman for Hamas, dismissed Israel’s conditions as “a ridiculous psychological war,” asserting that the withdrawal or disarmament of the group is not on the table. He also confirmed Hamas’ willingness to proceed with a second phase of the prisoner exchange deal, which would involve the release of all captives in Gaza in a single phase.

As part of the upcoming prisoner swap on Saturday, Hamas has agreed to double the number of hostages being released—from three to six—following a request from mediators. In return, Israel is expected to release several Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life or long-term sentences.

The negotiations, facilitated by Egypt and Qatar, are seen as a crucial step toward de-escalating tensions and potentially establishing a long-term truce. However, Israel has yet to officially respond to Hamas’ latest demands, and significant obstacles remain in the path to a comprehensive resolution.

The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging both sides to work toward a lasting peace that ensures security and stability in the region.