Hamas responds to Mladenov: Resistance's weapons linked to ending occupation and establishing a state

The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) expressed its strong disapproval of the recent statements made by Nikolay Mladenov, the coordinator of the 'Peace Council' in Gaza, regarding the future of Palestinian factions' weapons. Basem Naim, a member of the movement's political bureau, affirmed that any discussion about the resistance's military arsenal must be placed in its natural context within a comprehensive national dialogue primarily aimed at ending the occupation.

Mladenov had previously stated that he does not demand the dissolution of Hamas as a political entity, but rather emphasizes the necessity of it abandoning its military wing within any upcoming political settlement. The international coordinator indicated that the movement's transformation into a political party adopting peaceful action would open doors for its participation in general Palestinian elections under the umbrella of the Authority.

The international official stressed in his vision that the continued existence of armed factions or militias possessing independent military structures and tunnel networks is non-negotiable. He considered that the presence of these arsenals in parallel with a transitional Palestinian authority hinders opportunities for permanent stability, demanding the integration of all forces under a single legitimate authority.

In response to these proposals, Hamas warned against the consequences of calling for the current administration in the Gaza Strip to step down before the technocrat committee effectively assumes its duties. The movement clarified that any administrative vacuum at the present time could open the door to a state of chaos and security breakdown that would not serve the Palestinian national interest.

Basem Naim affirmed that the movement has fulfilled all its obligations and taken the necessary practical steps to facilitate the transfer of governance to the established national committee. He pointed out that the core of the crisis does not lie in the internal Palestinian administration, but in the continued existence of the Israeli occupation, which obstructs all paths of development and stability.

The Hamas leader also noted that the movement deals with the negotiation process with seriousness and full responsibility, away from selectivity in its approach. He clarified that Hamas has provided clear and detailed responses to international initiatives, including the provisions of US President Donald Trump's plan, emphasizing that the door to negotiation has never been closed by their side.

Naim accused the Israeli side of direct responsibility for obstructing the implementation of the proposed plans and ignoring the required political entitlements. He criticized the absence of reference to Israeli obstacles in some recent international positions, considering that this reflects a bias that does not serve efforts to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.

In conclusion of its statements, Hamas reiterated its logistical and administrative readiness to hand over civil affairs tasks in the Gaza Strip to the national committee. It called on the international community to exert real and serious pressure on the occupation authorities to ensure the committee's entry and commencement of its work without field or political obstacles.

Discussion of the weapons issue should be within a comprehensive national context that ends the occupation and establishes an independent Palestinian state.