Hamas reportedly threatens further attacks as disarmament talks stall
Hamas has reportedly warned Israel that it is prepared to repeat the 7 October 2023 attacks and carry out violence in Israel, the West Bank and abroad when opportunities arise. The reported threat comes as the group faces pressure to disarm under a US-brokered ceasefire and says it is losing control in Gaza.
Senior Hamas officials allegedly conveyed the warning to UN humanitarian coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov, who passed it to Israeli officials. Hamas cited financial difficulties, Israeli military operations and frustration over the Palestinian Authority cancelling planned elections. Negotiations over disarmament and an Israeli troop withdrawal have made little progress; Gaza health officials say at least 1,500 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire, while Israel reports four soldiers killed.
In short
- Hamas reportedly threatened attacks on Israel and targets abroad.
- The warning comes amid pressure for Hamas to disarm.
- Ceasefire negotiations remain stalled as deaths continue in Gaza.
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The case for
Supporters of pressing Hamas to disarm can argue that its reported readiness to repeat mass attacks is a grave threat to Israeli civilians and others, and that a ceasefire cannot provide lasting security while the group retains the capacity and intent to use violence. They may see disarmament, alongside the withdrawal talks, as necessary to reduce the risk of renewed attacks and create conditions for a more stable political future.
The case against
Those wary of making disarmament a precondition can argue that demanding it while Israeli military operations continue and Palestinians face substantial casualties risks deepening insecurity without addressing its causes. They may contend that progress requires reciprocal steps, credible Palestinian political representation and a negotiated security arrangement, rather than pressure on Hamas alone—particularly amid reported financial hardship and frustration over cancelled elections.
Explained simply
Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist movement that governs Gaza and has an armed wing. Israel and several other countries designate it as a terrorist organisation. The group led the attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage.
A ceasefire brokered by the United States is intended to halt the fighting and set out steps including Hamas disarming and Israeli troops withdrawing from Gaza. The Palestinian Authority, a separate Palestinian governing body, has limited authority in parts of the West Bank and has not held elections since 2006. Disputes over security, governance and the terms of the ceasefire shape the negotiations and affect civilians in Gaza and Israel.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Hamas issues ‘unprecedented’ warning it is prepared to carry out a repeat of the October 7 massacre”.