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Qatar Asks Hamas Leaders to Surrender Personal Weapons for Gaza Ceasefire
Qatar mediators have asked senior Hamas leaders in Doha to hand over personal weapons as a symbolic step toward a Gaza ceasefire. Hamas reviews Trump-backed truce plan, but insists on Israeli withdrawal.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-03
Qatar Asks Hamas Leaders to Surrender Personal Weapons for Gaza Ceasefire

In a significant development in the ongoing mediation efforts, Qatari negotiators have reportedly asked senior Hamas leaders based in Doha to surrender their personal weapons as part of efforts to establish a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and end nearly two years of Israeli military aggression.

According to a report by British daily The Times, this unusual request is directed at key Hamas figures including Khalil al-Hayya, a senior negotiator; Zahir Jabareen, founder of Hamas’s armed operations in the West Bank; and Muhammad Ismail Darwish, head of the organization’s Shura Council.

Symbolic Gesture to Show Commitment

While the move may appear purely symbolic, Israeli media suggest that the request is meant to demonstrate Hamas’ sincerity in pursuing peace. It also reflects the growing pressure from Qatari mediators and international stakeholders who seek to de-escalate tensions in the region and move the negotiations forward.

“This is not about disarming Hamas entirely,” said a source familiar with the negotiations. “It's about creating trust-building measures and showing that Hamas leadership is serious about a ceasefire.”

Ceasefire Proposal Under Review

Hamas recently confirmed it is reviewing the latest ceasefire proposal supported by U.S. President Donald Trump. However, a core demand of the organization remains the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza — a point Israel has so far refused to entertain.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains adamant about the military objective of eliminating Hamas from Gaza, casting doubt on how close the warring sides truly are to peace.

International Stakes

With humanitarian conditions in Gaza continuing to deteriorate and rising global pressure for a resolution, Qatar’s symbolic yet strategic intervention is being closely monitored by regional powers, including Egypt, Turkey, and the United States.

The outcome of this diplomatic maneuver could potentially mark a turning point in the conflict — or become yet another missed opportunity in a long cycle of failed negotiations.
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Israel

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