Khalil al-Hayya, a senior leader of Hamas’s political wing, has indicated that the group may be willing to lay down its weapons and end its armed resistance if certain conditions are met.
In an interview with the Associated Press in Istanbul, al-Hayya stated that Hamas would accept a fully sovereign Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, along with the return of Palestinian refugees, in accordance with international resolutions and along Israel’s pre-1967 borders. In return, the group’s military wing would dissolve.
Al-Hayya emphasized that Hamas is seeking a permanent ceasefire and is pushing for a deal that would prevent Israel from resuming its operations after hostages are released. He suggested that the group could agree to a truce of five years or more and fold its military wing into a political party if an independent Palestinian state were established.
Khalil al-Hayya (Credits: AP News)
This development marks a major shift in Hamas’s position, as the group has historically been committed to the destruction of Israel. However, al-Hayya’s statements suggest a willingness to embrace a two-state solution and to abandon armed struggle if a Palestinian state is established.
Al-Hayya also expressed a desire for Hamas to join the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which is headed by rival faction Fatah, and for a unified government to rule over the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
He emphasized that Hamas opposes the presence of any foreign forces in Gaza and implicitly threatened the humanitarian pier being built off Gaza’s coast by the United States and guarded by Israel.
Khalil al-Hayya (Credits: CNN)
It is unclear whether Hamas would completely give up its armed resistance and raison d’être, and there has been no reaction yet from Israel or the Palestinian Authority. However, al-Hayya’s statements suggest a potential shift in Hamas’s position and a willingness to engage in negotiations towards a peaceful resolution.
