Hamas leader rejects disarmament while Israeli occupation of Gaza continues

Al JazeeraCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffFebruary 8, 2026 at 11:51 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Khaled Meshaal, Hamas's political leader abroad, stated at the Al Jazeera Forum in Doha on February 8, 2026, that Hamas rejects disarming while Israel occupies Gaza. He argued that disarming Palestinians would make them vulnerable to Israeli aggression. Meshaal views calls for disarmament as a continuation of efforts to neutralize Palestinian resistance. He stated that a suitable environment for reconstruction and preventing renewed conflict is necessary before disarmament can be considered. The US, through mediators, has sought Hamas's disarmament as part of a ceasefire deal, but Hamas refuses to disarm while Israeli occupation continues. Despite a ceasefire agreement, Israel continues attacks in Gaza and refuses to withdraw from the "Yellow Line."

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Qatar 50% Egypt 50% Turkiye 50% Donald Trump 60% Al Jazeera Forum ×260% United States ×370% Israel ×380% Gaza ×690% Khaled Meshaal ×290% Hamas ×9100%

Keywords

hamas 100% disarmament 90% israeli occupation 80% gaza 80% palestinian resistance 70% armed resistance 60% ceasefire 60% khaled meshaal 50% international weaponry 40%