The issue of Hamas’s weaponry sparked a heated discussion with the United States. U.S. Middle East envoy, Steve Wittkoff, indicated that Hamas is willing to relinquish its arms; however, the organization rejected this claim, linking it to the complete restoration of national rights. Wittkoff also pledged to secure the release of all Israeli hostages from Gaza.
According to Steve Wittkoff, Hamas is open to giving up its weapons, citing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s commitment to ending the conflict, as reported by Israeli media.
He further explained: “The objective is to conclude the war, and negotiations must shift toward an all-or-nothing principle. Our aim is to recover all hostages in a single deal and to end the war, rather than pursuing partial agreements. There can be no talk of victory without the liberation of all hostages.”
On another note, Wittkoff mentioned a collaborative effort between Israel and the United States to facilitate humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, to Gaza.
Wittkoff also met yesterday with families of the hostages held in Gaza.
Upon his arrival, he was applauded by demonstrators and urged by hundreds of people gathered in Tel Aviv’s square to offer assistance, before holding a closed-door meeting with the hostage families.
In video footage shared online, Wittkoff could be seen arriving to meet the Forum of Hostage Families while they chanted: “Bring them home, we need your help.”
Wittkoff stated, “The United States will bring your loved ones back and ensure Hamas is held accountable. We will bring your children home and hold Hamas responsible for any wrongs they have committed. We will take the appropriate action for the residents of Gaza. We know who is alive, and blame will fall on someone if they are not returned alive. The United States supports this statement.”
The U.S. envoy raised hopes for a swift conclusion to the conflict, stating: “We have a plan to end the war and bring everyone back.”
In response to Wittkoff’s statements, Hamas denied any intention to disarm, asserting that its weapons are a national and legal entitlement as long as the occupation persists. They emphasized that arms can only be relinquished with the full restoration of national rights, including the establishment of a fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Unyielding Stance
In the meantime, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned that hostilities will continue relentlessly unless the hostages held in Gaza are released, speaking as he inspected his forces in the area.
Zamir stated in a military briefing: “In my estimation, we will know in the coming days if we will reach an agreement for the release of our hostages. Otherwise, the battle will persist unrelentingly.”
The statement noted that Zamir conducted a field visit and assessment of the situation in the sector, accompanied by several senior military officers.
He added: “The war is ongoing, and we will adjust it based on the changing reality to serve our interests. The victories achieved give us operational flexibility.”
The Chief of Staff also highlighted that the current accusations regarding a purported famine are deliberate and false attempts to label an ethical army as committing war crimes, stating that Hamas is responsible for the suffering of Gaza’s inhabitants.