Hamas Links Disarmament to Gaza Withdrawal

The Palestinian militant group Hamas has said that it will not disarm until Israel ends its military operations and withdraws its troops from the Gaza Strip. The statement came in response to an announcement by US President Donald Trump, who said the Board of Peace had reached a "monumental step" towards complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups, according to Sky News.

Hamas supports negotiations on the next phase of the ceasefire but insists that Israel must first halt combat operations, fulfill its commitments from the first phase of the agreement, and withdraw from Gaza. According to the movement, disarmament, including the handover of heavy weapons, can only be considered once the fighting has ended, the war-torn territory has been rebuilt, and the Palestinians' right to self-determination has been secured.

The Board of Peace has already published a draft agreement under which Israel would cease military operations and withdraw its forces from Gaza, while Hamas would end all armed activities. Preparations for the second phase are expected to begin within 14 days of the plan's approval by all parties.

Israel has not yet commented on the agreement with Hamas. Sky News also reported that if Israel fails to meet the terms of the agreement, President Trump will be "very, very disappointed," according to an unnamed US official.

(skynews, bak)