An influential member of Hamas told CNN on Thursday that the group would agree to disarm ‘if an independent Palestinian state was established.’
“If an independent state with its capital in Jerusalem, while preserving the right of return for refugees, (is created) Al Qassam could be integrated into (a future) national army,” he said, referring to the group’s armed wing.
Up to now, the terrorist group has rejected a two-state solution and has instead advocated the creation of a Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine (that refers to Israel, the occupied West Bank, occupied East Jerusalem, and Gaza.)
Agreeing to lay down its weapons and convert into a political party if an independent Palestinian state is established along pre-1967 borders is a significant concession by the militant group who’s motto has always been to destroy Israel.