A senior Hamas official emphasized that the Palestinian Islamist group would not relinquish its arms or permit external interference in Gaza, countering pressures from the US and Israel. Speaking at a conference in Doha, Khaled Meshal stated, “Labeling the resistance, its weaponry, and its operators as criminal is unacceptable.” Meshal, a former leader of the organization, asserted that resistance against occupation is legitimate and a source of national pride for oppressed peoples.
As per AFP reports, a US-negotiated truce in Gaza is progressing into its second phase, which includes the demilitarization of the region, including Hamas disarmament, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops. Hamas has consistently drawn a red line against disarmament but has hinted at the possibility of surrendering weapons to a future Palestinian governing body.
In other developments, a US official confirmed that the inaugural leaders’ meeting of the Board of Peace, spearheaded by President Donald Trump, is scheduled for February 19. The meeting, as reported by Axios, will also serve as a fundraising event for the reconstruction of Gaza. The official verified the meeting date without providing additional specifics.
