The latest development in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel involves a firm stance taken by Hamas against disarmament and foreign intervention in Gaza. On February 9, 2026, Khaled Meshal, a senior Hamas leader, reiterated that the Palestinian movement would not surrender its weapons nor accept foreign intervention, directly challenging the US and Israeli demands. Meshal stated, 'As long as there is occupation, there is resistance. Resistance is a right of peoples under occupation … something nations take pride in,' as reported by Tribune Latest and Dawn. This declaration comes amidst a US-brokered ceasefire in its second phase, which aims for the demilitarization of Gaza, including the disarmament of Hamas, and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces. Despite the pressure, Hamas maintains that disarmament is a 'red line,' although it has indicated a willingness to consider handing over its weapons to a future Palestinian governing authority, as noted by The Frontier Post and Al Jazeera.