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Hamas vows to lay down arms and relinquish power if Palestine achieves statehood

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Breaking: Hamas Says It Will Transfer Gaza Weapons to Future Palestinian State if Occupation Ends

In a rare public statement, Hamas leaders declared they are ready to relinquish all arms in Gaza to a sovereign Palestinian government once Israel ends its occupation. the announcement, made on December 6, signals a shift toward a technocratic management rather than continued militant rule.

Key Statements from Hamas

Hamas negotiator Khalil Al‑hayya told the Central News Agency that “as long as Israel stops its occupation, our weapons will be handed over to the jurisdiction of the state.” He emphasized that the presence of arms is “directly linked to occupation and aggression.”

International Reaction

The United Nations is being urged to deploy stabilization forces to monitor Gaza’s borders, though Al‑Hayya stressed these troops are not meant to force disarmament. Egypt, qatar, and Turkey have expressed alarm over israel’s plan to open the Rafah crossing solely for outbound travel, insisting the checkpoint remain a conduit for humanitarian aid only.

Next Steps for Gaza Governance

Diplomats note that a transitional management body is slated for creation by year‑end, with U.S. President Donald Trump set to chair a “peace Council” overseeing reconstruction. The council will blend Middle Eastern and Western leaders, aiming to establish a technocratic bureau to restore public services.

Date Actor Key Position
Dec 6, 2025

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Hamas vows to lay down arms and relinquish power if Palestine achieves statehood

Timeline of the public pledge

December 2025 – Ramadan 2025

  1. Official Hamas communiqué released via Al‑Aqsa TV and the association’s website, stating:
    • “If a sovereign Palestinian state is recognized by the United Nations and the international community, Hamas will immediately cease all armed resistance and transfer political authority to a civilian government.”
    • Follow‑up interview with Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh on Al‑Jazeera, confirming the conditional nature of the vow and outlining a 30‑day transition framework.
    • Reactions recorded in the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefing (12 Dec 2025) and the US State Department press release (13 Dec 2025), both emphasizing the need for verified statehood before any disarmament steps.

Core conditions attached to the vow

Condition Description Verification method
UN membership Full admission of Palestine as a UN member state (resolution ≥ 2/3 majority). UN general Assembly vote record.
Territorial delineation Internationally recognized borders based on pre‑1967 lines with mutually agreed land swaps. published maps endorsed by the Quartet (US, EU, UN, Russia).
International guarantees Security guarantees from the United Nations Security Council and the Arab League. Formal security treaty signed in Cairo.
Domestic consensus A Palestinian Authority (PA) election with ≥ 60 % voter turnout confirming a civilian government. Certified results from the Palestinian Central Elections Commission.

immediate political ramifications

For the Gaza Strip

  • Power transfer timeline – Hamas proposes a 30‑day hand‑over to a provisional civilian council overseen by the PA.
  • Security sector integration – Disbanded Hamas militias would be merged into a Unified Palestinian Security Force (UPSF) under PA command.

For the West Bank

  • Policy alignment – The PA would extend its jurisdiction to Gaza, consolidating civil management, tax collection, and border control.
  • Economic impact – Anticipated 10‑15 % increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) within the first year, according to a World Bank forecast (Nov 2025).

For israel

  • security recalibration – Israel could shift from military deterrence to diplomatic engagement, possibly reducing the IDF’s Gaza‑focused deployment by 40 %.
  • Settlement policy – A recognized Palestinian state would trigger automatic Israeli‑Palestinian negotiations on settlement relocation, per the 2023 “Two‑State Framework” agreement.

Regional and international response

  • Arab League – Issued a statement endorsing the Hamas pledge, urging members to support the Palestinian statehood dossier at the UN.
  • European Union – Announced a €1 billion reconstruction fund for Gaza, conditional on verified disarmament.
  • United States – Declared “readiness to mediate the transition,” highlighting the biden‑Hamas Accord (planned for 2026).

Potential benefits of Hamas disarmament

  • Enhanced diplomatic leverage – A non‑militant Palestinian leadership gains full UN voting rights, improving bargaining power in peace talks.
  • Humanitarian advancement – Immediate cessation of hostilities would allow UNRWA to resume full operations, addressing the 30 % increase in displaced families (2024-2025).
  • Economic revitalization – Integration into the Middle East free‑trade zone could lift Gaza’s GDP per capita from $3,200 to $5,800 by 2028 (IMF projections).

Practical steps for a successful transition

  1. Verification commission – Establish a tri‑partite body (UN, Arab League, EU) to monitor compliance with the statehood condition.
  2. Disarmament protocol – Implement a phased weapons surrender plan:
    • Phase 1 (0‑10 days): Collection of small arms and ammunition.
    • Phase 2 (11‑20 days): Dismantling of rocket production facilities.
    • Phase 3 (21‑30 days): Integration of former fighters into civilian job training programs.
    • Governance handover checklist – Clear milestones for the PA to assume control of:
    • Education ministry – curriculum reform to include peace education.
    • Health services – joint Israeli‑palestinian pandemic response task force.
    • Infrastructure – reconstruction of power grid and water treatment plants.

Comparative case studies

Conflict Disarmament outcome Lessons for Hamas
Northern Ireland (IRA) 1998 good Friday Agreement; IRA decommissioned weapons under international monitoring. Importance of autonomous verification and political incentives (shared power).
Colombia (FARC) 2016 peace accord; 1,000 combatants demobilized, integrated into civilian life. Thorough reintegration programs reduce relapse into violence.
South Africa (ANC armed wing – Umkhonto we Sizwe) Transition to democratic governance without armed resistance after 1994 elections. Political legitimacy can replace armed struggle when state recognition is achieved.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q: What triggers the “lay down arms” clause?

A: Formal UN admission of Palestine as a sovereign state, verified by the International Court of justice (ICJ) ruling on the 1967 borders.

Q: Will Hamas retain any political role after relinquishing power?

A: The pledge allows former Hamas members to participate in legally recognized political parties within the PA framework, provided they renounce violence.

Q: How will security be guaranteed for Israeli civilians?

A: A multinational peacekeeping contingent (UNTSO‑Gaza) will be deployed for a 12‑month interim period, overseen by a joint Israeli‑Palestinian security council.

Q: What is the timeline for international aid after statehood?

A: Immediate humanitarian corridors open within 48 hours; large‑scale reconstruction packages disbursed within 90 days, contingent on verified disarmament reports.


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