Hamas Signals Readiness to ‘Freeze or Store’ Weapons

Hamas terrorists indicated on Sunday for the first time that they are open to discussing “freezing or storing” their weapons as part of a potential ceasefire with Israel, a senior official said, suggesting a possible way forward on one of the most contentious points in the U.S.-brokered agreement.

Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, made the remarks as both sides prepare to enter the second, more complex phase of the deal.

“We are open to have a comprehensive approach in order to avoid further escalations or in order to avoid any further clashes or explosions,” Naim told The Associated Press in Doha, Qatar, where much of Hamas’ leadership is based.

Naim emphasized that Hamas retains its “right to resist,” but said the group is willing to lay down its arms as part of a broader effort aimed at establishing a Palestinian state. He provided few details, but suggested a long-term truce of five or ten years could allow negotiations to move forward.

“This time has to be used seriously and in a comprehensive way,” he said, adding that Hamas is “very open minded” about how to handle its weapons.

“We can talk about freezing or storing or laying down, with the Palestinian guarantees, not to use it at all during this ceasefire time or truce,” Naim said.

It is still uncertain whether the proposal would meet Israel’s demands for complete disarmament.