Hamas Declares Executive Wing Dissolution Amid Ceasefire Talks, Insists on Retaining Weapons

Hamas announced the dissolution of its executive wing in the Gaza Strip on July 6, a move seen as largely symbolic and aimed at easing criticism while maintaining its refusal to disarm. The announcement coincided with a government emergency committee meeting and a Hamas delegation visit to Istanbul, ahead of another round of ceasefire negotiations expected in Cairo. Sources in Gaza told N12 that the step is intended to signal flexibility in civilian governance and facilitate the entry of a technocratic committee, but it does not affect Hamas’s control over power centers or its stance on weapons.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem emphasized in an interview with Saudi Al-Hadath channel that Palestinian weapons are legitimate and necessary for defense against ongoing Israeli aggression. He stated that the issue of weapons must remain within the Palestinian framework as part of the political process, accusing Israel of shifting focus to Palestinian arms to divert attention from Israeli military actions.

Two informed sources, including a Hamas official, told Al-Quds Al-Arabi that Hamas leadership plans an expanded meeting soon to discuss ceasefire developments, contingent on Israel’s positive response to mediator proposals following recent Cairo talks. The Hamas delegation that participated in Cairo negotiations traveled to Istanbul for a "situation assessment" meeting after submitting a new response document with proposals to bridge remaining gaps.

Hamas accuses Israel of retracting from recent understandings reached with mediators and UN envoy Nikolay Mladenov, instead presenting new demands that undermine progress. These demands reportedly include handing over Hamas’s weapons before the full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, including personal arms in Palestinian-controlled areas, and refusing to retain government employees in their posts. Mediators say formulas were agreed upon to resolve over half the disputed issues, with efforts ongoing to address the rest.

The main remaining disputes involve Hamas’s weapons, the Israeli withdrawal timeline, and the status of government employees. Hamas has proposed a plan previously accepted by mediators and Mladenov, involving mapping, collecting, and storing weapons in areas vacated by Israel, while postponing handling personal weapons in Palestinian areas to a later stage. Many Gaza residents reportedly view the dissolution announcement skeptically, seeing it as a cosmetic change that does not alter Hamas’s governance or military control.