August 1, 2025 | 01:38 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Several Arab nations have jointly condemned Hamas, urging the group to end its control in Gaza and surrender its weapons to the Palestinian Authority.
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, alongside 14 other countries, have signed a declaration at a recent United Nations conference, explicitly condemning the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and supporting a two-state solution.
"In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support," the declaration stated.
This historic declaration marks the first such direct condemnation of Hamas by a number of Arab nations.
The October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, most of whom were Israeli civilians. Militants also abducted approximately 250 people, with about 50 remaining in captivity.
The declaration also condemned Israel's attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza. "We also condemn the attacks by Israel against civilians in Gaza and civilian infrastructure, siege and starvation, which have resulted in a devastating humanitarian catastrophe and protection crisis," the declaration stated.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israel's attacks on Hamas have resulted in the deaths of over 60,000 Palestinian residents. The ministry's figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opposed the two-state solution and declined to attend the UN meeting, citing national security concerns.
The declaration was praised by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who referred to it as "both historic and unprecedented."
As quoted by Newsweek, he stated: "For the first time, Arab countries and those in the Middle East condemn Hamas, condemn October 7, call for the disarmament of Hamas, call for its exclusion from Palestinian governance, and clearly express their intention to normalise relations with Israel in the future."
Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, offered a different perspective, stating that the UN would host an "unproductive and ill-timed" conference on the two-state solution in New York City this week.
She asserted, "This is a publicity stunt that comes in the middle of delicate diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Far from promoting peace, the conference will prolong the war, embolden Hamas, and reward its obstruction and undermine real-world efforts to achieve peace."
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