Pakistan, July 3 -- Qatar has reportedly asked top Hamas leaders based in Doha to hand over their personal weapons. This request came during recent talks aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza. According to the British newspaper The Times, Qatari mediators made this demand to show that Hamas is serious about peace. The move is seen as part of wider efforts to end Israel's nearly two-year-long military operation in Gaza.

The leaders asked to surrender weapons include senior negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya, Zaher Jabarin-who founded Hamas's armed wing in the West Bank-and Mohammed Ismail Darwish, the head of the group's Shura Council. All three are part of the political leadership currently living in Qatar. The weapons in question are believed t...