Hamas says holding weapons is a “legitimate right” and is open to proposals that preserve this right while guaranteeing a Palestinian state
DOHA: Hamas’s Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya stated on Sunday that the militant group has a “legitimate right” to hold weapons.
He said any proposal for the next phases of the Gaza ceasefire must uphold that right.
“Resistance and its weapons are a legitimate right guaranteed by international law and are linked to the establishment of a Palestinian state,” Hayya said in a televised address.
“We are open to studying any proposals that preserve this right while guaranteeing the establishment of a Palestinian state.”
The US-sponsored ceasefire has been in effect since October 10, halting the war that began after Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023.
The agreement remains fragile with daily accusations of violations from both sides.
The deal is composed of three distinct phases.
The first phase involved Palestinian militants committing to release the remaining 48 captives held in Gaza.
They have so far released all hostages except for one body.
Under the second phase, Israeli troops would further withdraw and be replaced by an international force.
This phase also requires Hamas to lay down its weapons, a point Israel insists upon.
Israel has repeatedly stated that Hamas “will be disarmed”.
The third phase includes the reconstruction of vast areas of Gaza levelled during the conflict.
Hayya also confirmed the head of the group’s weapons production was killed in an Israeli strike.
He identified the commander as Raed Saad, killed the day before.
“The Palestinian people are currently going through difficult times and suffering greatly… with the martyrdom of more than 70,000 people,” Hayya said.
Israel announced on Saturday that it had killed Saad, describing him as “one of the architects” of the 2023 attack. – AFP
