Gaza Strip / Jerusalem — Hamas has firmly rejected demands to disarm as part of ongoing ceasefire negotiations, even as the militant group moves toward selecting a new overall leader to replace Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in 2024. The developments come amid fragile truce talks and rising tensions over the future of the Gaza Strip.
Hamas officials have repeatedly stated that surrendering weapons is not on the table while Israeli forces maintain any presence in or around Gaza, or until a fully sovereign Palestinian state is established. The group has pushed back against a US-led Board of Peace disarmament framework, describing it as biased and demanding significant modifications. Senior figures, including Khaled Meshaal, argue that disarming an “occupied people” would leave them vulnerable to elimination.
This hardline position has stalled progress on the second phase of a ceasefire agreement initially signed in late 2025. Hamas insists on full Israeli withdrawal and implementation of earlier commitments before discussing demilitarization, while accusing Israel of repeated violations that undermine the truce.
At the same time, Hamas is finalizing an internal leadership transition. Elections through the group’s Shura Council are in their closing stages, with an announcement expected in the coming days. The two leading candidates are Khalil al-Hayya, a Gaza native and chief negotiator seen as having strong local ties, and Khaled Meshaal, the Qatar-based former leader representing the organization’s external “old guard.” The new chief is likely to operate from outside Gaza for security reasons.
The leadership change signals Hamas’s determination to project continuity and resilience despite heavy losses during the conflict. The group has already quietly filled other key positions, including a new Gaza chief and political bureau roles.
Israeli officials are closely monitoring the situation. With Hamas showing no willingness to disarm, Jerusalem is preparing contingency plans for potential renewed fighting in Gaza. Cabinet discussions are underway, though competing security priorities—such as northern border concerns—may influence the timing. Officials have indicated that “all options remain on the table” if diplomatic efforts collapse.
The impasse highlights deep divisions: Hamas seeks to retain its military capabilities and influence over Gaza’s future governance and reconstruction, while Israel views a demilitarized Gaza as essential for long-term security and stability. International mediators, including the Board of Peace, continue efforts to bridge the gap, but progress remains elusive.
As Hamas prepares to unveil its new leader, the coming weeks could prove decisive for the ceasefire’s viability and the broader trajectory of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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