Arab states join global push for Hamas to disarm, exit Gaza

In a landmark move toward ending the war in Gaza and reviving prospects for a two-state solution, several Arab nations—Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt among them—have joined a chorus of global voices calling for Hamas to disarm and relinquish its governance of the Gaza Strip.

The demand was part of a seven-page declaration signed by 17 countries, the European Union, and the Arab League during a high-level United Nations conference focused on advancing peace between Israel and the Palestinians, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

"In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State," the declaration stated.

This call came a day after the Palestinian delegation at the UN urged both Israel and Hamas to withdraw from Gaza, proposing that the Palestinian Authority take administrative control of the war-torn territory.

The declaration also included a condemnation of Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths. The UN General Assembly has yet to formally denounce the attack.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot hailed the document as "both historic and unprecedented," emphasizing the united front presented by Arab and Western nations alike. "For the first time, Arab countries and those in the Middle East condemn Hamas, condemn October 7, call for the disarmament of Hamas, call for its exclusion from Palestinian governance, and clearly express their intention to normalize relations with Israel in the future," Barrot said.

The declaration also raised the prospect of deploying international forces to help stabilize Gaza once hostilities end.

Although Israel and the United States did not participate in the conference, the gathering sent a strong signal. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that the UK may recognize a Palestinian state by September if Israel fails to meet key conditions, including a Gaza ceasefire and improved humanitarian access.

French President Emmanuel Macron is also expected to formally declare recognition of Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly in September.

By Vafa Guliyeva