In a landmark diplomatic development, Arab and Muslim countries — including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt — have, for the first time, publicly called on Hamas to disarm and hand over control of the Gaza Strip.
The move is part of a broader international effort to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza and revive momentum toward a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
The declaration, unveiled at a United Nations conference in New York co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, received backing from the 22-member Arab League, the entire European Union, and 17 other nations. The conference focused on advancing a political resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, centered on the long-stalled Two-State Solution.
In the joint statement, the signatories asserted that full governance, security, and law enforcement across all Palestinian territories should fall under the Palestinian Authority (PA), with support from the international community. The document called on Hamas to step down from power in Gaza and surrender its weapons to the PA under international supervision — a step described as essential for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The declaration also condemned the deadly October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, and proposed the deployment of a temporary international stabilization mission under UN authority, pending an invitation from the Palestinian Authority. Several countries have already signaled willingness to contribute troops to such a mission.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called the joint statement “unprecedented,” noting it was the first time that nations such as Saudi Arabia had publicly condemned the October 7 attacks, called for Hamas to disarm, and expressed interest in normalizing relations with Israel.
Qatar and Egypt — long seen as key intermediaries in the conflict — maintain direct lines of communication with both Hamas and Israel and continue to play a central role in ceasefire and hostage negotiations.
Earlier this year, Egypt proposed a post-war governance plan for Gaza that excluded Hamas. The plan, presented during an emergency summit in Cairo, suggested a temporary Palestinian committee take over administration of the enclave, with power eventually transferred to the Palestinian Authority.
Saudi Arabia has reiterated its commitment to the revival of the Two-State Solution, while France has pledged to formally recognize a Palestinian state by September. The United Kingdom has issued a similar warning, saying it may do the same unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire. Both announcements have drawn sharp criticism from Israel and the United States.
Despite mounting diplomatic pressure, Hamas has not indicated a willingness to relinquish control. The group’s leadership has issued conflicting messages about its future role in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains firmly opposed to a Two-State Solution, insisting it would jeopardize Israel’s security.
