Hamas defended the gruesome public executions it carried out against Palestinians earlier this week as the terrorist group says it has no plans to lay down its arms — throwing a massive wrench into the already tense peace negotiations with Israel.
Hamas politburo member Mohammed Nazzal told Reuters that “exceptional measures” had to be taken when it carried out public killings in Gaza on Monday, which drew widespread criticism for their extreme violence. He claimed that those executed were criminals guilty of murder.
Nazzal also refused to commit to Hamas disarming itself, which Israel has demanded as part of a peace deal. Hamas’ arms could prove to be a major obstacle as both sides, with the help of the US, work to create lasting peace days after the first phase of the cease-fire was agreed on.
In response to Nazzal’s comments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office slammed Hamas for failing to live up to its end of the deal as Israel remains committed to fulfilling the terms.
“Hamas is supposed to release all hostages in stage 1. It has not. Hamas knows where the bodies of our hostages are. Hamas are to be disarmed under this agreement. No ifs, no buts. They have not. Hamas need to adhere to the 20-point plan. They are running out of time,” said a statement from the office.
Nazzal, speaking from Doha, said Hamas is prepared to accept a five-year cease-fire to rebuild the Gaza Strip, including guarantees for the future if it is offered “horizons and hope” for statehood.
Hamas’ desire to stay armed reveals differences from President Trump’s plan for Gaza ahead of negotiations expected to address Hamas’ weapons and how Gaza is governed.
