Hamas firmly dismisses zionist regime’s call for the ‘complete demilitarization’ of Gaza, stating that disarming is a non-negotiable boundary

Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri has declared that the disarmament of resistance groups within the blockaded region remains a non-negotiable “red line” for the organizations involved.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, a Hamas official responded following Israel’s declaration that the advancement to the second phase of the January ceasefire agreement is contingent upon the “complete demilitarization” of Gaza.

Zuhri emphatically dismissed any discussions regarding the disarmament of resistance forces, stating that the weaponry maintained by Hamas and all affiliated resistance factions remains a non-negotiable issue.

In a press conference held earlier today, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called for the complete demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages as prerequisites for advancing to the next phase of the ceasefire agreement.

During a press briefing, Sa’ar announced, “Currently, there is no agreement regarding phase two. Our demands remain clear: we call for the complete demilitarization of Gaza, the expulsion of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and the return of our hostages.”

He stated that if Hamas consented to the specified demands, the agreement could be executed as soon as the following day.

Hamas has declared that the release of additional Israeli captives can only occur following the initiation of the second phase of Gaza ceasefire discussions between the parties involved.

On March 1, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem dismissed Israel’s suggestion to prolong the initial stage of the ceasefire. He urged the global community to apply pressure on Tel Aviv to advance to the second phase as initially scheduled.

On October 7, 2023, following a significant military operation by Hamas, Israel commenced its extensive military campaign in the Gaza Strip. This development comes as an escalation in the ongoing conflict, amid heightened tensions and continuing disputes between the two entities.

The government’s efforts to meet its stated goals of liberating hostages and dismantling Hamas were unsuccessful. This comes in the wake of a conflict that resulted in the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, in Gaza.

Israel has agreed to the long-standing negotiation terms set by Hamas as part of a truce that commenced on January 19.

A three-phase ceasefire agreement has been established, prompting both parties to engage in indirect negotiations aimed at finalizing the specifics of subsequent exchanges.

Plans for the second phase of negotiations include establishing a permanent ceasefire, which would see a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces coinciding with the release of the remaining captives.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that the current agreement permits a temporary cessation of hostilities, noting that the nation’s military maintains the option to resume combat operations at a later stage.