A report by The Wall Street Journal has revealed that Egypt requested Hamas and Palestinian factions to hand over their offensive rockets and missiles that could be used to strike “Israel.”
According to Egyptian officials and informed sources cited by the newspaper, the plan proposed storing these weapons in warehouses under Egyptian and European supervision until a Palestinian state is established. However, Hamas’ leader in Gaza, Khalil Al-Hayya, firmly rejected this proposal during a meeting this month with Egypt’s intelligence chief, Hassan Rashad.
Hamas’ Military Arsenal: A Locally Developed Force
Hamas possesses a significant military arsenal, much of which has been developed locally due to the ongoing siege on Gaza that prevents the entry of advanced weaponry from abroad.
This arsenal includes rockets of varying calibers and ranges, some of which have successfully struck Tel Aviv and other areas inside occupied Palestine. Hamas has also developed high-explosive homemade shells and explosive devices, which were widely used in battles against the Israeli occupation forces that launched an extensive military operation inside Gaza for several months before partially withdrawing following a ceasefire agreement on the 19th of last month.
The Arab Plan: A Political Dilemma
As Arab leaders seek to extend the ceasefire in Gaza and explore alternatives to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to displace Gaza’s population, they are now forced to confront a long-avoided question: What will they do about Hamas? according to the report.
The first phase of the ceasefire—which saw the exchange of 33 Israeli detainees for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners—was set to expire on Saturday, with discussions underway regarding the next phase. These talks aim to secure the release of remaining detainees, establish a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and begin rebuilding the war-ravaged territory.
However, The Wall Street Journal noted a key issue: “If Hamas remains in Gaza, ‘Israel’ is not willing to end the war, and Gulf states like the UAE are not prepared to finance reconstruction efforts. Meanwhile, Egypt considers the idea of eliminating Hamas entirely as unrealistic and is searching for a solution that at least limits Hamas’ control.”
The report also highlighted that:
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- Saudi Arabia and Qatar support Egypt’s plan, which envisions Hamas disarming but playing a political role in post-war Gaza alongside other Palestinian factions.
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- The United Arab Emirates (UAE), on the other hand, wants Hamas completely removed from Gaza.
The Bigger Picture: A Struggle for Palestinian Sovereignty
As regional powers debate Hamas’ future, the Palestinian resistance remains a symbol of defiance against Israeli aggression. The ongoing negotiations raise questions about the true objectives of international interventions—whether they seek peace and justice for Palestinians or aim to dismantle Palestinian resistance under the guise of political restructuring.
Regardless of diplomatic maneuvers, Hamas’ refusal to surrender its weapons underscores a broader Palestinian commitment to self-defense and resistance against occupation, particularly in the face of continuous Israeli assaults on Gaza.
