Hamas Rejects Claims It Will Disarm Amid Trump’s Gaza Ceasefire Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has publicly asserted that Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist militant group, is poised to disarm under a U.S.-backed ceasefire plan in Gaza. Speaking at his 10th Cabinet meeting of his second term, Trump expressed optimism that the group would relinquish its weapons, stating, “A lot of people said they’ll never disarm. It looks like they’re gonna disarm.” Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, echoed this sentiment, telling the president that Hamas would demilitarize because it “has no choice.”
However, Hamas officials have firmly denied these claims. Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas leader, stated unequivocally that the group “never agreed to disarm,” directly contradicting the U.S. administration’s narrative. Regional analysts warn that Hamas remains the “ultimate spoiler” in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations and could obstruct the plan altogether.
The conflict in Gaza has long been a focal point of U.S. foreign policy and international diplomacy. The Trump administration’s push for a ceasefire aims to stabilize the region and reduce hostilities between Israel and Palestinian factions. Yet, the militant group’s refusal to disarm raises significant doubts about the feasibility of lasting peace under the current framework.
Trump’s confidence in Hamas’s disarmament appears to hinge on diplomatic pressure and the leverage of ongoing negotiations. The administration’s approach aligns with broader U.S. efforts to reshape Middle East dynamics, including reaffirming strong ties with Israel. The U.S. Department of State continues to emphasize Israel as a “model ally,” reinforcing military and economic support amid regional tensions.
Despite the administration’s optimism, the reality on the ground remains complex. Hamas controls Gaza and maintains a substantial arsenal, which it views as essential for its resistance against Israeli policies. The group’s leadership has historically resisted disarmament demands, viewing them as threats to Palestinian sovereignty and security.
Experts from the Council on Foreign Relations and other think tanks caution that any ceasefire lacking Hamas’s genuine commitment to disarm could be fragile and short-lived. The risk of renewed violence persists if the underlying political and security issues are not addressed comprehensively.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs within the State Department continues to engage with regional partners to facilitate dialogue and explore pathways to de-escalation. The U.S. government remains focused on balancing support for Israel’s security with efforts to promote humanitarian relief and political stability in Gaza.
As the ceasefire plan moves into its second phase, the international community watches closely. The outcome will significantly impact the prospects for peace in the Middle East, with Hamas’s stance on disarmament a critical factor. For now, the gulf between U.S. expectations and Hamas’s declarations underscores the challenges ahead in resolving one of the world’s most enduring conflicts.
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