Arab nations call on Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza in bid for peace

In a major turn of events amid Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, Arab nations have called on the Palestinian resistance group Hamas to disarm and exit the enclave as part of efforts to secure a ceasefire and long-term peace in the region.

The call was made through a joint declaration signed by the European Union and the Arab League at a United Nations conference held in New York. The declaration also reaffirmed support for a two-state solution, as Gaza faces the threat of famine and what may become the worst humanitarian crisis in its history.

“In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State,” the declaration stated.

While the declaration is viewed as an important political shift, it remains to be seen whether it will result in any concrete progress. On Monday, the Palestinian delegation also called for Hamas and Israel to withdraw from Gaza to allow the Palestinian Authority to govern the territory.

Read more: Ceasefire hopes dim in Gaza after US, Israel withdraw from Doha negotiations, blaming Hamas

The Arab League also condemned the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered Israel's military offensive, an operation that has since caused mass civilian casualties and destruction in Gaza.

France welcomed the declaration and noted that several Arab countries hinted at the possibility of normalising ties with Israel, contingent on resolving key issues obstructing a Gaza ceasefire.

“For the first time, Arab countries and those in the Middle East condemn Hamas, condemn October 7, call for the disarmament of Hamas, call for its exclusion from Palestinian governance, and clearly express their intention to normalise relations with Israel in the future,” said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.

The UN conference was co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia and included participation from several Western and Middle Eastern nations that signed the declaration.

Check: Hamas signals support for Gaza ceasefire agreement

“We supported the deployment of a temporary international stabilisation mission upon invitation by the Palestinian Authority and under the aegis of the United Nations and in line with UN principles, building on existing UN capacities, to be mandated by the UN Security Council, with appropriate regional and international support,” the declaration further stated.

Notably, Israel and the United States did not participate in the proceedings. Meanwhile US President Donald Trump administration criticised countries like France and the UK for pledging to recognise a Palestinian state if Israel does not end its war on Gaza.