Full Breakdown
PLO Rejects Disarmament Demands for Hamas Amid U.S. Pressure
2/25/2026, 3:42:59 AM
PLO's Stance on Hamas and Disarmament
Azzam al-Ahmad, Secretary General of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), has publicly rejected the characterization of Hamas as a terrorist organization and dismissed calls for its disarmament. In an interview with Egyptian outlet Shorouk News, al-Ahmad stated, “All talk of disarming Hamas and their being a terrorist organization is unacceptable to us.” This position directly contradicts the demands from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, who have insisted that Hamas must relinquish its weapons as part of a ceasefire agreement following the recent conflict in Gaza.
U.S. Demands and Palestinian Authority's Response
The U.S. has proposed a 60-day ultimatum for Hamas to disarm, a condition that al-Ahmad criticized as a “false pretense.” He argued that the reforms demanded by the U.S. — including changes to the Palestinian Authority's (PA) school curriculum and the cessation of financial support to prisoners — are “impossible” to implement. Al-Ahmad emphasized that these demands are perceived as attempts to undermine Palestinian national identity.
Internal Palestinian Dynamics
Despite al-Ahmad's senior position within the PLO, his comments have been met with skepticism from other Palestinian officials. A senior official indicated that al-Ahmad's views do not reflect the broader stance of the PLO or the PA, which has historically called for Hamas to disarm. This divergence highlights ongoing tensions within Palestinian leadership regarding the future governance of Gaza and the relationship with Hamas.
International Reactions and the Board of Peace
President Trump has initiated a "Board of Peace" aimed at facilitating reconstruction efforts in Gaza, with a proposed budget of $10 billion. This initiative has garnered mixed reactions. Former U.S. ambassador Daniel Shapiro criticized the plan as lacking Palestinian input and being contingent on Hamas disarmament, which he views as unlikely. Conversely, Israeli journalist Barak Ravid acknowledged the unprecedented international coalition supporting the plan, including contributions from countries like Indonesia, Morocco, and Kazakhstan.
Criticism of the Board of Peace Structure
Critics of the Board of Peace, including Shapiro, have raised concerns about its structure, arguing that Trump's unilateral control undermines its credibility. They emphasize that effective pressure on Hamas to disarm is essential for the plan's success, but express skepticism about whether this pressure will be applied effectively.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
The PLO's rejection of disarmament demands and the internal divisions within Palestinian leadership complicate the implementation of U.S. proposals for Gaza. As the situation evolves, the effectiveness of the Board of Peace and the potential for a new Palestinian government remain uncertain, particularly if Hamas does not agree to cooperate. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the trajectory of both Palestinian governance and international efforts to stabilize Gaza.
Verbatim Quotes
- “All talk of disarming Hamas and their being a terrorist organization is unacceptable to us,” — Azzam al-Ahmad, PLO Secretary General
- “We believe the primary goal of these demands is to waste time,” — Azzam al-Ahmad, PLO Secretary General
- “Barely any Palestinian input, no women speakers, grand reconstruction plans contingent on Hamas disarmament, which is not happening, lifetime chairman Trump padding his slush fund with $10b.” — Daniel Shapiro, Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel
- “1st – This is the most significant effort by a US president to tackle the issue of Gaza – a key impediment to any Israeli-Palestinian peace deal – in more than a decade.” — Barak Ravid, Israeli Diplomatic Journalist
