Hamas reaffirmed on Saturday that it will not disarm “as long as the occupation exists,” countering reported statements from US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who visited a controversial aid site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The militant group criticized Witkoff for his presence at the GHF amid allegations of escalating hunger in Gaza, where reports indicate that dozens of Palestinian aid seekers have died near the organization’s distribution points since operations commenced in mid-May.
In a statement, Hamas asserted its right to continue its armed struggle until Palestinian national rights are recognized, emphasizing the need for an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. It condemned Witkoff’s visit as a “pre-arranged theatrical performance,” claiming it provided political cover for Israel’s actions and contributing to the “starvation and genocide” facing the Palestinian people.
The Israeli government has vehemently rejected claims of genocide, asserting that it takes measures to limit civilian harm and accusing Hamas of utilizing civilians as human shields. Israeli officials have dismissed Hamas’s narrative as propaganda, arguing that the group is obstructing UN aid deliveries while manipulating the death toll to garner sympathy.
The GHF aims to bypass Hamas in distributing aid and launched its operations amid Israel’s recent easing of a blockade on Gaza. However, other humanitarian organizations have expressed reluctance to work with the GHF, asserting that its approach jeopardizes the safety of aid seekers. There have been multiple reports from both Hamas’s civil defense and journalists in Gaza regarding Israeli troops firing on civilians attempting to access food at GHF sites.
While accusations of attacking Gazan aid seekers persist, Israel acknowledges that civilian casualties have occurred near GHF distribution centers. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) recently indicated that troops will receive updated instructions in response to lessons learned during these troubling incidents.
Witkoff’s comments followed a remarkable declaration from the Arab League and numerous countries urging Hamas to disarm in light of its recent attacks that sparked the ongoing conflict. He referenced these concerns during a visit to Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, where he communicated to families of hostages that some Arab nations were calling for Hamas to relinquish its arms. Despite this, Witkoff indicated no immediate progress in ceasefire negotiations, which have remained stalled for over a week after the US and Israel withdrew negotiators from discussions in Doha.
During the same meeting, Witkoff acknowledged the complexity of the situation, expressing optimism for an eventual resolution but admitting he lacked new information to share with families eager for updates. “I wish I had perfect news for you, but it’s a super-complicated situation,” he remarked, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive agreements rather than partial ones, echoing sentiments from Israeli officials.
The ongoing conflict has placed immense strain on Gaza, and the implications of humanitarian efforts are critical as stakeholders navigate a treacherous landscape. As families await news of missing loved ones, the pressure mounts on both sides to find a resolution that addresses the complex humanitarian crisis while ensuring safety and security for all involved.
Original Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-vows-not-to-lay-down-arms-after-witkoff-reportedly-says-its-ready-to-demilitarize/
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Publish Date: 2025-08-02 22:35:00
