Hamas Leader Rejects Foreign Intervention in Gaza, Vows Resistance Will Continue

Gaza. A senior leader of Hamas on Sunday rejected pressure from the United States and Israel, clarifying that the Palestinian Islamist movement will not give up its weapons and will not accept any form of foreign intervention or rule in Gaza.

Speaking at a conference in Doha, senior Hamas leader Khaled Mashal stated that attempts to criminalize the resistance movement, its weapons, and those who operate them are unacceptable. He said, "We cannot accept the presentation of the resistance, its weapons, and those who operate it as a crime."

According to him, as long as there is occupation of any territory, resistance will remain. "Where there is occupation, there is resistance. Resistance is the right of the occupied people, which nations around the world also view with respect and pride," said Mashal, a former head of the group.

The Islamist movement Hamas has been engaged in armed struggle against what it claims is Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. The current war began following the deadly cross-border attack launched from Gaza into Israel on October 7, 2023.

The ceasefire in Gaza, mediated by the US, has now entered its second phase, which envisions the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of the area alongside the gradual withdrawal of the Israeli army.

However, Hamas has repeatedly made it clear that disarmament is a 'red line' for them. Nevertheless, it had previously indicated that it might consider transferring its weapons to a future Palestinian governing authority.

According to Israeli officials, Hamas still has about 20,000 fighters and approximately 60,000 Kalashnikov rifles in Gaza. A Palestinian technical committee has been formed in Gaza to handle daily administrative responsibilities, but clarity remains on how this committee will address the issue of demilitarization of the area.

This committee is reportedly operating under the so-called 'Board of Peace' initiative put forward by US President Donald Trump. Initially conceived to monitor the Gaza ceasefire and oversee post-war reconstruction, the board's scope was later expanded. This expansion has raised concerns among critics that it might compete with the role of the United Nations.

President Trump formally announced the board during the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, last month. Leaders and officials from nearly two dozen countries signed the board's establishment charter and expressed their support on that occasion.

Alongside the Peace Board, Trump also established a Gaza Executive Board, presented as an advisory panel to the Palestinian technocratic committee. This panel includes international figures such as US envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Reacting again on Sunday, Mashal emphasized that the Peace Board must adopt a balanced approach to reconstruct Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to its approximately 2.2 million residents. However, he also warned that Hamas would not accept any form of foreign rule on Palestinian land.

"We stand firm on our national principles and reject arguments for trusteeship, external intervention, or the restoration of a mandate in any form," he said. "Palestinians must govern Palestinians. Gaza belongs to the people of Gaza and all the Palestinian people. We will not accept foreign rule."