Qatar, Saudi, Egypt Urge Hamas to Disarm and Leave Gaza to End Conflict with Israel

Growing International Pressure on Hamas

Arab nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, have joined a growing chorus of voices urging Hamas to disarm and relinquish control over Gaza. This call comes as part of broader efforts to end the 21-month conflict between Hamas and Israel, with the goal of reducing further bloodshed and addressing the severe humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians.

The Arab League, the European Union, and 17 other countries are pushing for an end to Hamas’ nearly 20-year rule in Gaza. Their objective is to support a two-state solution that would allow for a sovereign and independent Palestinian state. A recent declaration emphasized that Hamas must end its governance in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international support.

“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.

In addition, the declaration called for the deployment of a temporary international stabilization mission in Gaza, following an invitation from the Palestinian Authority. This mission would operate under the United Nations and align with UN principles, building on existing capacities. It would require a mandate from the UN Security Council, along with regional and international support.

France, which recently recognized the state of Palestine, described the declaration as the strongest of its kind due to the backing it has received from Arab nations. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot highlighted the significance of this development, noting that for the first time, Arab countries and those in the Middle East have condemned Hamas, condemned the attack on October 7, called for the disarmament of Hamas, and expressed their intention to normalize relations with Israel in the future.

This statement came during the United Nations summit focused on reviving the two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians. Reports of widespread famine in Gaza have intensified calls for immediate action. The summit also saw Britain, alongside France, present Israel with its own ultimatum.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK will recognize a state of Palestine before the United Nations unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the situation in Gaza, agrees to a ceasefire, and commits to a long-term, sustainable peace. This move aims to revive the prospect of a two-state solution.

However, the US and Israel did not participate in the UN conference. Israel’s foreign ministry criticized any prospects of a two-state solution, calling it a “reward” for Hamas. While Israel has previously expressed openness to a deal that would see Gaza demilitarized and Hamas leaders exiled, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently maintained that a two-state solution is not on the table.

Netanyahu has also rejected any scenario that would allow the Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs the occupied West Bank, to return to power in Gaza. The PA governed Gaza until Hamas was elected in 2006, after which the group ousted the PA leadership and took full control of the enclave.

Israel has instead proposed that its military occupy Gaza indefinitely, with the Jewish state vetting local leaders who would form a new government. This approach reflects ongoing tensions and disagreements over the future of Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.