Open to disarmament if Palestine state established, says Hamas official

As the Gaza conflict rages, Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official, told the Associated Press that the militant group could lay down its arms and transition into a political entity if an independent Palestinian state were established along pre-1967 borders.

The term “pre-1967 borders” refers to the territorial boundaries that existed before the Arab-Israeli War of the same year.

Al-Hayya has represented Hamas in ceasefire and hostage exchange negotiations. His comments signal a shift in stance for the Palestinian militant group, historically committed to opposing Israel’s existence.

However, Israel has not shown interest in such a truce as it aims to dismantle Hamas and opposes the creation of a Palestinian state in the territories Israel currently controls. 

The situation remains complex, as ceasefire talks between the two sides have stalled.