Arab states urge Hamas to disarm and cede power

Arab states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, have jointly called for Hamas to disarm and relinquish power in Gaza, marking a significant diplomatic shift.

The unprecedented appeal was made at a United Nations conference co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France.

The declaration, supported by the 22-member Arab League, the European Union, and 17 other countries, aimed to foster a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian question and advance the Two-State Solution.

It asserts that governance should rest solely with the Palestinian Authority, with the expectation that Hamas would end its control and disarm, supported by the international community.

The declaration also condemned the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and proposed an international mission to stabilise the region, contingent on the Palestinian Authority’s invitation.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot highlighted the significance of Arab states condemning terrorism and calling for Hamas’s disarmament.

Governance Proposal

Egypt’s plan for Gaza, discussed at an emergency summit, suggests a Palestinian committee take control post-war, eventually transferring power to the Palestinian Authority.

Saudi Arabia continues to advocate for the two-state solution, while reports indicate Hamas remains resistant to relinquishing authority.