The Palestinian militant group Hamas emphasized that it will not respond to external demands for disarmament if an independent state of Palestine is not established.
On the 2nd (local time), according to Reuters and other media, Hamas stated in a statement that it reiterates that "as long as the occupation by Israel continues, resistance and arms are a national and legitimate right."
Hamas further claimed, "This right will be recognized in accordance with international agreements and norms until our national rights are restored, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital."
Hamas made this statement while Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, was visiting Israel.
The United States, which is mediating the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, has expressed that the conflict will end if Hamas disarms. On the 30th of last month, 22 member countries of the Arab League (AL) unusually called on Hamas to disarm and relinquish power.
Hamas criticized the previous day's visit by Envoy Witkoff to the relief distribution center of the U.S. organization Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), calling it "a scripted play designed to mislead public opinion and polish its image while politically concealing policies of Kia and organized murder."
Amid rising concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Portugal are pressuring Israel for a ceasefire by stating that they will recognize Palestine as a sovereign state.