Mashal Reveals the Behind-the-Scenes of Weapons Discussions in Gaza: Long Ceasefire and International Forces Among Proposals

Hamas leader abroad Khaled Mashal confirmed that Palestinians are living in complex humanitarian conditions two years after the war in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that the cessation of military operations does not mean the end of suffering, amid ongoing violations and delays in recovery and reconstruction efforts.

These statements came during Mashal's participation in the 17th Al Jazeera Forum held in Doha under the title "The Palestinian Cause and Regional Balances," where he called for urgent humanitarian action that includes providing relief and shelter and enabling the residents of the Strip to restore their normal lives.

Complex Files Awaiting Resolution

Mashal pointed out that the next phase will witness complex discussions on several key files, including disarmament, the role of international forces, the future management of the Gaza Strip, in addition to the issue of the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
He clarified that Hamas, along with other Palestinian forces, is working on formulating political approaches based on a common national vision aimed at addressing these issues and restoring stability to the Strip.

Recognition of the Palestinian State is Not Enough

Mashal considered that recent developments have reintroduced the issue of the Palestinian state on the international stage, but he stressed that political recognition alone does not achieve a real solution unless it transforms into a practical reality that ends the occupation and addresses the roots of the conflict.
He affirmed that the essence of the crisis lies in the continuation of the occupation, indicating that any political path must start from this point to ensure reaching a comprehensive and sustainable solution.

Hamas's Vision on the Issue of Weapons

Regarding the issue of the weapons of Palestinian factions, Mashal stated that the proposal for disarmament amid the continuation of the occupation represents an attempt to weaken the Palestinians, considering that resistance is a legitimate right for peoples under occupation according to historical experiences.
He added that the movement has discussed this file through regional mediators, including Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt, in addition to indirect communications with the United States through mediation channels.

International Understanding and Proposals to Ensure Stability

Mashal revealed that the mediators showed understanding of Hamas's position regarding weapons, indicating that there are ideas related to providing security guarantees instead of exerting political pressure.
He explained that among the proposed ideas is the deployment of international peacekeeping forces on the borders, in addition to a long-term ceasefire that could extend from five to ten years, aimed at stabilizing the situation and preventing renewed confrontations.

Accusations Against Israel of Seeking to Disarm Palestinians

Mashal accused Israel of seeking to disarm the Palestinians, considering that the main problem does not relate to guarantees provided by the factions, but rather to Israeli policies that aim, as he described, to create a state of chaos within the Palestinian arena.

Call for a More Balanced International Action

Mashal concluded his statements by calling for a more objective international role in dealing with the Palestinian issue, urging the United States and European countries to work on addressing the roots of the conflict away from bias, which would contribute to reaching a comprehensive political settlement.