Arab nations tell Hamas it has no part in Gaza's future

Declaration follows Starmer move on Palestinian statehood

- MILLIE COOKE

Arab nations have taken the unprecedented step of telling Hamas to lay down its arms and surrender control of Gaza. Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt yesterday called for the terrorist group to “disarm” and disband. It is the first time these countries have condemned Hamas and demanded it play no part in the future of Palestine.

The landmark shift comes after Sir Keir Starmer issued Israel with an ultimatum, pledging to recognise Palestine if Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration fails to take steps to end the war in Gaza by September.

Last night Canada said it intends to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September under certain conditions. Prime minister Mark Carney said that the planned move was predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to reforms, including commitments to fundamentally reform its governance and to hold general elections in 2026. Hamas must play no part in the elections.

The three Arab countries joined 14 other nations, including Britain and France, in calling for the disbandment of the group.

The declaration, produced after a United Nations conference in New York, read: “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, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.”