Hamas Official’s Statement on Palestinian State
Hamas political official Khalil al-Hayya stated that Hamas would accept “a fully sovereign Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and the return of Palestinian refugees in accordance with the international resolutions”.
Hamas’s Willingness to Lay Down Arms
A top Hamas official expressed readiness for the militant group to lay down arms for five years or more, contingent upon the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the pre-1967 borders.
Significant Concession by Hamas
Al-Hayya’s statement regarding Hamas’s potential disarmament is seen as a significant concession by the militant group, which has historically been committed to Israel’s destruction.
The Path to a Political Party
In the interview, Al-Hayya also mentioned that Hamas would transition into a political party if the conditions for a sovereign Palestinian state are met.
Hamas’s Vision for the Future
While Hamas has softened its stance on a two-state solution, it officially maintains the goal of the full liberation of Palestine. The leader did not explicitly clarify if a two-state solution would end the conflict or serve as an interim step.
