Source denies reports Hamas exiting politics, disarming for long-term Gaza truce

A Palestinian source familiar with the negotiations between Hamas and the US administration denied reports claiming that the movement had agreed to disarm in exchange for a long-term ceasefire in Gaza, according to Sky News Arabia.

Speaking exclusively to the Arabic channel yesterday, the source stated: “Hamas has not proposed the idea of withdrawing from politics and disarming in return for a long-term ceasefire lasting between five and ten years.”

The source added that “the idea of Hamas withdrawing from politics and disarming in exchange for a long-term truce was suggested by the US delegation but was rejected by the movement.”

The source further explained: “Hamas showed flexibility and agreed to release ten hostages in exchange for a two-month ceasefire, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the proposal, which led to its suspension.”

“Hamas also proposed the release of American citizen Aidan Alexander as a goodwill gesture, without an official handover ceremony, to keep negotiations open with Washington,” the source added.

Earlier, Adam Boehler, the US President Donald Trump’s envoy for hostage affairs, disclosed some details of meetings held with Hamas to reach an agreement on Gaza, describing the talks as “very helpful.”

In an interview, Boehler stated that Hamas had offered to release all hostages in exchange for a ceasefire lasting between five and ten years.

He further stated that a possible scenario could be envisioned where detainees from both sides would be released, a long-term ceasefire would be reached, Hamas would be disarmed, and the group would step aside from governing Gaza.

READ: Hamas warns that occupation army is delaying withdrawal from Philadelphi corridor