U.S. Senator Tom Cotton delivered a firm message on the future of Gaza, declaring that lasting peace cannot be achieved while Hamas remains involved in negotiations. His remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region following the recent ceasefire agreement.

“As Hamas found out: bad things happen when you lose a war, especially when you started the war,” Cotton said. “But let’s be clear: there can be no lasting peace for Gaza with Hamas sitting at the table.”

The Arkansas senator’s comments underscore a hardline stance shared by several U.S. lawmakers who view Hamas as an obstacle to meaningful reconciliation and reconstruction. Cotton emphasized that true progress for Gaza depends on the removal of terrorist influence and the establishment of a governing authority committed to peace and rebuilding.

His statement aligns with Washington’s broader position that any future Palestinian leadership must reject violence, recognize Israel’s right to exist, and focus on economic and humanitarian recovery.

As international partners prepare for the next phase of Gaza’s reconstruction, Cotton’s warning reflects the challenges facing negotiators trying to balance security concerns with humanitarian priorities.