Arab Nations Urge Hamas to Disarm, Support Palestinian Statehood

Arab nations are calling for Hamas to disarm and relinquish control of Gaza as part of a broader effort to support Palestinian statehood. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt have joined international calls for a political solution aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the territory. A total of 17 countries, alongside the European Union and the Arab League, endorsed a joint declaration during a recent United Nations conference focused on reviving the two-state solution.

October 7, 2023, marked a significant escalation in hostilities when Hamas launched deadly attacks against Israel, initiating the current warfare in Gaza. The seven-page joint document calls for Hamas to step aside and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with the process to be conducted under international supervision and support.

“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 statement emphasized, as reported by AFP.

Historic Condemnation and Support for Peace

The declaration has been hailed as “historic and unprecedented” by France, which co-chaired the conference with Saudi Arabia. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot noted that for the first time, Arab nations and those in the Middle East have condemned Hamas and the events of October 7. The statement also explicitly calls for Hamas’s disarmament and its exclusion from Palestinian governance, highlighting a shift in regional dynamics.

The text was co-signed by Western nations including Britain and Canada, reinforcing the international community’s collective stance on the issue. It also addresses the potential deployment of foreign forces to stabilize Gaza following the cessation of hostilities.

The absence of Israel and its ally, the United States, from the meeting underscores the complexities surrounding this diplomatic effort. Their lack of participation raises questions about the future of any proposed solutions and the broader geopolitical landscape in the region.

Path Forward for Gaza and Palestine

The joint declaration represents a significant moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy, as it seeks to align Arab nations with Western allies in support of a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The emphasis on disarmament and the return of governance to the Palestinian Authority could reshape the political landscape in Gaza.

As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that will lead to lasting peace and stability for the people of Gaza and the broader Palestinian territories.