Israeli-Backed Gaza Militia Commander Rejects Hamas Disarmament Prospects

Hussam al-Astal, commander of an Israeli-backed militia fighting Hamas in southern Gaza, has called on Israel to reject the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, arguing that Hamas will not surrender its weapons.

Speaking to The Times of Israel, al-Astal said he did not believe the proposed agreement would be implemented because Hamas would refuse to give up its arsenal.

He expressed support for a ceasefire but said any such arrangement should exclude Hamas, arguing that the group would not accept terms requiring it to disarm.

According to al-Astal, Hamas understands that surrendering its weapons would mean losing its control over Gaza and would therefore resist any agreement that threatens its position.

“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, adding, “Hamas knows that if it hands over its weapons, it will no longer be in power.”

Al-Astal’s militia operates in the Khan Younis area with logistical and military support from Israel. Despite the broader ceasefire, the group has continued to engage Hamas in periodic clashes over the past year.