Gaza City, Gaza – Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, is reportedly considering giving up armed struggle against Israel in exchange for the establishment of an independent state in territories captured by Israel in the 1967 war. This potential shift in Hamas’ stance comes as its leadership faces pressure amid Israel’s ongoing military actions in the Gaza Strip, which Hamas previously controlled.
Basem Naim, a member of Hamas’ political bureau based in Istanbul, stated that the group would be willing to disarm if an independent Palestinian state with its capital in Jerusalem and the right of return for refugees is established. This marks a departure from Hamas’ longstanding rejection of a two-state solution in favor of a Palestinian state encompassing all of historic Palestine.
Mustafa Barghouti, President of the Palestinian National Initiative, noted that Hamas’ willingness to consider laying down arms is significant in the context of Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation. However, there are concerns about the practical implications of Hamas’ proposed concessions, particularly regarding the return of Palestinian refugees to their ancestral homes in what is now Israel.
Efraim Inbar, from the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, viewed Hamas’ offer as a strategic move aimed at garnering support in the Western world rather than a genuine shift in policy. He emphasized that certain demands, such as the return of refugees to Israel, would be unacceptable to the Israeli government as they could threaten the country’s security and existence.
Recent statements attributed to Hamas officials suggest a willingness to engage in political processes, such as joining the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) for the governance of Gaza and the West Bank. However, the full extent of these potential changes in Hamas’ approach remains unclear, and it is uncertain whether they reflect the views of the group’s ground-level operatives in Gaza.
As tensions continue to simmer in the region, the prospect of Hamas renouncing armed struggle raises questions about the future trajectory of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While some observers view this development as a positive step towards peace, others remain skeptical of Hamas’ intentions and the feasibility of its proposed concessions. Israel, for its part, remains committed to ensuring its security and combating what it perceives as threats from Hamas.