Hamas Denies Disarmament Claims, Slams U.S. Envoy Witkoff’s Gaza Visit as “Staged Show”

Hamas has strongly rejected claims that it is ready to give up its weapons as part of a ceasefire deal with Israel. The Palestinian group called the remarks made by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff false and misleading, stressing that the right to armed resistance remains a “national and legal” necessity while Israeli occupation continues.

The controversy began after Haaretz published details of a private meeting between Witkoff and families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. According to a recording cited by the Israeli outlet, Witkoff allegedly said that Hamas was "prepared to be demilitarised." However, Hamas issued a sharp rebuttal, stating clearly that it had made no such promise.

In its official statement, Hamas said:
“The resistance and its weapons are a national and legal right as long as the [Israeli] occupation persists. This right cannot be relinquished until our full national rights are restored, foremost among them the establishment of a fully sovereign, independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.”

The comments come amid a tense backdrop of global diplomacy and increasing scrutiny of humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Witkoff, a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump and now serving as his special Middle East envoy, had just visited an aid site in Gaza run by the controversial Global Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)—an organisation jointly supported by the U.S. and Israel.

Hamas described Witkoff’s visit as a "staged show", accusing him of trying to mask the real humanitarian crisis in the enclave. The group cited a United Nations report that says over 1,300 Palestinians have been killed since May while attempting to access food at GHF-run aid distribution centres. Despite global criticism, the Trump-aligned administration has continued to support GHF, pledging $30 million in U.S. aid to the group just last month.

The disarmament claim and Hamas’ response come at a time when pressure is mounting internationally for a political resolution to the Gaza war. During a recent United Nations conference in New York, 17 countries, along with the European Union and the Arab League, signed a joint declaration calling for a two-state solution. The document included a demand for Hamas to end its control of Gaza and transfer authority to the Palestinian Authority, with support from the international community.

Significantly, the United Kingdom also hinted it may formally recognise a Palestinian state by September—unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s position, stating that recognition would come under clear conditions tied to peace efforts.

As the war drags on and diplomatic efforts intensify, Hamas' rejection of disarmament underlines the deep divisions and mistrust that remain obstacles to peace. The conflicting narratives from Hamas and the U.S. envoy only add to the complexity of negotiations, even as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens daily.