Hamas Leader Osama Hamdan Affirms Rejection of Disarmament and External Security Control for Gaza

Doha, Qatar – In a significant statement from Doha, senior Hamas leader Osama Hamdan declared the militant group's firm rejection of any post-war security arrangements involving Arab or Palestinian Authority (PA) forces. Hamdan asserted that Hamas would not disarm and intends to rebuild its capabilities to continue attacking Israel, a stance that directly challenges international and regional efforts to stabilize the Gaza Strip. His remarks underscore the deep divisions over the future governance and security of the enclave following ongoing hostilities.

Hamdan's declaration reinforces Hamas's long-held position on armed resistance as a core principle. According to an exclusive interview with Drop Site News, Hamdan stated, > "When they talk about disarming the Palestinians—not only Hamas, the Palestinians—it means that they want the Palestinians to surrender." He emphasized that the group views armed struggle as a legitimate response to occupation, asserting that "the new generation will fight because you are oppressing the nation all the time."

The Hamas leader's comments directly contradict proposals from various international and regional actors, including an Egyptian plan that envisions an independent, technocratic Palestinian committee governing Gaza, explicitly excluding Hamas. This plan, dubbed "Gaza 2030," aimed to transition governance to the Palestinian Authority, a move consistently rejected by Hamas. Osama Hamdan previously told Al Jazeera that Hamas would consider any force formed to govern Gaza as an "occupying" entity linked to Israel.

Israel has consistently demanded the complete demilitarization of Gaza and the removal of Hamas from power as conditions for any post-war settlement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that neither the Palestinian Authority nor Hamas should govern Gaza, advocating for a "different Gaza." The United States has also expressed opposition to any actions that would shrink Gaza's territory or lead to a military occupation, while also seeking to prevent Hamas's continued influence.

Hamdan's defiant stance highlights the formidable obstacles to achieving a lasting peace and stable governance in Gaza. His assertion that Hamas will "rebuild to attack Israel" signals a continuation of conflict, complicating efforts by international leaders such as UK Labour leader Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, who have called for de-escalation and a political solution. The ongoing refusal to disarm means any future arrangements would likely face persistent security challenges and potential for renewed hostilities.