Hamas says it won't disarm unless independent Palestinian state established

Hamas has said it would not lay down arms unless an independent Palestinian state is established.

Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at securing a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza war and a deal for the release of hostages ended last week in deadlock.

In a statement, the Palestinian militant faction said its armed resistance cannot be relinquished except through the full restoration of their national rights, foremost among them the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Shortly after the statement came out, US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said he was working with the Israeli government on a plan that would end the war in Gaza.

Witkoff also said Hamas, which has dominated Gaza since 2007 but has been militarily battered by Israel in the war, was prepared to disarm in order to end the war.

Source : ABC