Hamas says it will not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is established

Hamas announced it will not disarm until an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established. The group issued a statement denying reports of willingness to disarm, reaffirming that resistance remains a legitimate right.

Hamas condemned a visit by US envoy Steve Witkoff to a Gaza aid center, calling it a "premeditated staged show." Meanwhile, 18 people were reported killed by Israeli gunfire in Gaza, including eight attempting to access food.

The humanitarian situation remains dire, with the UN reporting over 859 fatalities "in the vicinity" of humanitarian aid sites in Gaza since May. The ongoing conflict escalated after the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel, resulting in high casualties on both sides.