Hussam al-Astal, commander of an Israeli-backed militia operating in southern Gaza, has expressed doubts that Hamas will agree to surrender its weapons under the proposed second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
Al-Astal said he believes Hamas would reject any agreement that requires the group to give up its weapons, arguing that doing so would threaten its control and influence in Gaza.
Speaking to The Times of Israel, the militia commander called on Israel to reject the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement unless Hamas agrees to disarm.
He said he supports efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza but insisted that Hamas should not be part of any arrangement if the group refuses to surrender its weapons.
“I don’t think the agreement will go through. Hamas will not hand over the weapons it possesses. I hope there will be a ceasefire agreement, but without Hamas. Hamas will not agree to this,” al-Astal said.
He further argued that Hamas understands the consequences of giving up its weapons. According to him, the group knows that disarming would weaken its ability to maintain control over Gaza and could eventually lead to the loss of its political and military influence.
Al-Astal said this was the main reason he believed Hamas would resist any ceasefire arrangement that includes a requirement for the group to surrender its arsenal.
The comments come amid continuing efforts to maintain a ceasefire and negotiate the next stage of the agreement. The issue of Hamas’ weapons remains one of the major challenges in discussions over the future of Gaza.
The proposed second phase of the ceasefire agreement includes issues surrounding the future security and governance of Gaza, as well as the position of Hamas and its armed forces.
Al-Astal’s militia operates in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza and has received logistical and military support from Israel. The group has been involved in fighting Hamas and has continued to engage its fighters in periodic clashes despite the broader ceasefire.
The presence of the Israeli-backed militia has added another dimension to the conflict in Gaza, where Hamas has remained a major armed and political force.
Al-Astal maintained that a lasting ceasefire would only be possible if Hamas was prevented from retaining its weapons and military capabilities.
His position highlights the difficulties facing efforts to reach a broader and lasting agreement in Gaza, particularly over the question of who will control the territory and what role Hamas will play in its future.
For now, the disagreement over Hamas’ weapons remains a major obstacle to the implementation of the proposed next phase of the ceasefire, with both the future of Gaza and the status of Hamas still unresolved.
