By Micah Jonah
February 17, 202
Hamas has rejected a reported 60-day ultimatum issued by a senior Israeli government official demanding that the Palestinian group disarm or face a renewed military offensive in Gaza.
Senior Hamas official, Mahmoud Mardawi dismissed the remarks, saying they were merely threats circulated through the media and not part of any formal negotiation process. He warned that any attempt to resume full-scale war would have serious repercussions across the region.
The ultimatum was reportedly issued by Israeli Cabinet Secretary, Yossi Fuchs during a conference in Jerusalem, where he stated that Israel could resume military operations if Hamas failed to disarm within two months. According to local reports, the timeline was said to align with a United States-backed diplomatic framework linked to discussions on Gaza’s reconstruction.
Hamas officials have consistently refused to surrender their weapons, arguing that disarmament cannot take place while Gaza remains under occupation and subject to military pressure. The group maintains that it will not give up arms under threat.
The development comes amid a fragile ceasefire process that began earlier this year. Despite the truce, tensions remain high, with continued reports of violations and humanitarian restrictions affecting civilians in Gaza.
Observers say the renewed rhetoric underscores the uncertainty surrounding the next phase of negotiations, particularly over issues of disarmament, reconstruction and long-term security arrangements in the territory.
