A number of Arab nations called on Hamas to relinquish its arms and rule over the Gaza Strip on Tuesday in an unprecedented move at the United Nations (UN).
The 22-member Arab League — which includes Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar — backed a declaration at the UN on Tuesday calling for the terrorist group to relinquish its power in the Gaza Strip. The move marks the first time the Arab states have collectively called for the removal of Hamas, with many also condemning the deadly Oct. 7, 2023 attacks on Israel for the first time.
“Governance, law enforcement and security across all Palestinian territory must lie solely with the Palestinian Authority, with appropriate international support,” the documents read. “Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State.”
France, which recognized a Palestinian state on July 24, also backed the declaration, calling the move “unprecedented,” according to CNN. The signatories will push for a two-state solution to the protracted conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people.
Egypt also had formulated a plan in March to exclude Hamas from governance of the Gaza Strip, according to documents obtained by CNN. Arab leaders discussed the plan, proposing to shift governance to the Palestinian Authority, which currently governs the West Bank.
The U.S. has unsuccessfully attempted to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, withdrawing its diplomats from talks in Doha, Qatar, on July 24. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff accused the terrorist group of negotiating in bad faith, adding that it is “a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way.”
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