HAMAS says it will never lay guns down unless an independent Palestinian state is established and its capital is Jerusalem.

It comes as the militant group – declared a terrorist organisation by the UK and the US – released a sick video showing an emaciated Israeli hostage in a tunnel.

The militant group said it was giving a statement “in response to media reports quoting US envoy Steve Witkoff, claiming [Hamas] has shown willingness to disarm”.

It said: “We reaffirm that resistance and its arms are a legitimate national and legal right as long as the occupation continues.

“This right is recognised by international laws and norms, and it cannot be relinquished except through the full restoration of our national rights – first and foremost, the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.”

Last week, indirect talks between Hamas and Israel ended in deadlock, stalling efforts to secure a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and a deal for the release of hostages.

Hamas has dominated Gaza since 2007, but has been militarily weakened by Israel in the war.