JAKARTA - The military wing of the militant group Hamas on Monday reiterated that it would not surrender its weapons, a key issue expected to be discussed in talks between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as long as there are still Israeli soldiers in Palestinian territory.
"Our people are defending themselves and will not surrender their weapons as long as the occupation is still ongoing," a new spokesman for the Izzuddin Al-Qassam Brigades, which has adopted the name of its late predecessor Abu Obeida, said in a video statement, launching Al Arabiya (30/12).
President Trump is expected to push for progress on a stalled truce in the Gaza Strip, when he receives Netanyahu on Monday for talks that will include Israel's concerns about Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran.
Previously, Netanyahu said President Trump had invited him to speak, as Washington pushed for the formation of a transitional government and international security forces for the Palestinian territories amid Israel's reluctance to move forward.
Netanyahu, who will meet Trump at his Mar-a-Lago beach club at 1300 local time, said on December 22 that discussions are expected to cover the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, as well as Iran and Lebanon.
Washington has brokered ceasefires on all three fronts, but Israel is wary of its enemies rebuilding their strength after being significantly weakened in the war.
Regarding Gaza, Israel and Hamas agreed to President Trump's plan to end the war in October, which ultimately led Israel to withdraw from Gaza, while Hamas handed over its weapons and relinquished its role in governing the territory.
The first phase of the ceasefire includes the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, increased aid, and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
An Israeli official in Netanyahu's circle said the prime minister would demand that the first phase of the ceasefire be completed with Hamas returning the last remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza, before moving on to the next stage.
Israel and Hamas themselves have accused each other of major violations of the agreement and do not seem to have agreed to accept the much more difficult measures planned for the next phase.
Hamas, which refuses to disarm, has reaffirmed its control as Israeli forces remain entrenched around half of the territory.
Meanwhile, Israel has indicated that if Hamas is not disarmed peacefully, Israel will continue military action to force Hamas to do so.
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