• Hamas firmly states it won't disarm until an independent Palestinian state is established.
• Comments from US envoy Steve Witkoff claiming Hamas was ready to disarm have been rejected.
• The humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens amidst continued violence and military action.

Hamas has reiterated its position that it will not lay down arms unless a fully sovereign Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital, is established. This response comes as part of its ongoing negotiations with Israel concerning a ceasefire in Gaza after reports suggested that Hamas might consider disarmament in exchange for peace. Hamas emphasized that its "armed resistance... cannot be relinquished except through the full restoration of our national rights," according to Reuters and Middle East Eye.

The statements from Hamas followed a meeting where US special envoy Steve Witkoff claimed that Hamas had indicated a preparedness to disarm. However, Hamas strongly dismissed these claims, citing that their right to resist is supported by international law as long as Israeli occupation continues. "The resistance and its weapons are a national and legal right as long as the occupation persists," a Hamas statement noted, as reported by Anadolu Agency, Channel News Asia, and BBC.

Negotiations for a ceasefire have stalled recently, despite efforts by various nations including Egypt and Qatar to mediate. Statements from Witkoff indicated optimism about the potential for a resolution, yet the situation on the ground in Gaza remains dire. With over 60,000 Palestinians reported dead due to ongoing hostilities, calls for an end to the violence grow louder, as noted by multiple sources including Al Jazeera and India Times.

Witkoff’s remarks came during his visits to meet the families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, further intensifying scrutiny of the conditions inside the territory. The Israeli government has faced significant pressure regarding humanitarian efforts, and the relationship between aid distribution and security remains contentious. Over 1,300 Palestinians died seeking food at aid distribution points, raising alarm about the humanitarian crisis at both domestic and international levels, according to TRT Global and Middle East Eye.