HAMAS says it will never lay guns down unless an independent Palestinian state is established and its capital is Jerusalem.
It comes as the militant group – declared a terrorist organisation by the UK and the US – released a sick video showing an emaciated Israeli hostage in a tunnel.
Hamas fighters stand in formation ahead of a hostages’ release in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip in FebruaryAP
The distressing video shows an emaciated Evyatar holding a shovel and saying this is where he thinks he’ll be buried
Shutterstock EditorialPalestinians wait to receive food from a charity kitchen amid a hunger crisis in Gaza on Saturday[/caption]
The militant group said it was giving a statement “in response to media reports quoting US envoy Steve Witkoff, claiming [Hamas] has shown willingness to disarm”.
It said: “We reaffirm that resistance and its arms are a legitimate national and legal right as long as the occupation continues.
“This right is recognised by international laws and norms, and it cannot be relinquished except through the full restoration of our national rights – first and foremost, the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.”
Hamas also released a video showing an Israeli man – Evyatar David – being held hostage in what looks like a tunnel.
Evyatar, 24, was kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival on October 7.
The distressing video shows him telling the camera that he is digging his own grave.
His family have given permission for media outlets to show the video.
It comes as at least 51 people – including 27 aid workers – have been killed so far on Saturday in Israeli attacks across Gaza.
Over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in the devastating war on Gaza amid a deepening hunger crisis – coupled with Israel’s cruel blockage of aid delivery.
Last week, indirect talks between Hamas and Israel ended in deadlock, stalling efforts to secure a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and a deal for the release of hostages.
Hamas has dominated Gaza since 2007, but has been militarily weakened by Israel in the war.
Israel considers the disarmament of Hamas a key condition for a deal to end the war.
But Hamas has repeatedly said it will not lay down its guns.
Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a future independent Palestinian state would be a platform to destroy Israel.
For this reason, Netanyahu added, Israel must have security control over Palestinian territories.
He also criticised the UK and Canada, among other countries, for their plans to recognise a Palestinian state.
The war began when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza.
APA Hamas fighter next to displaced Palestinians in January[/caption]
GettyA plane drops humanitarian aid in Gaza on Saturday[/caption]
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