Gaza militia commander says Hamas will reject any deal requiring disarmament

A commander of an armed group operating against Hamas in southern Gaza has cast doubt on the prospects of the proposed second phase of the ceasefire, arguing that Hamas is unlikely to surrender its weapons.
Hussam al-Astal, leader of the Israeli-backed militia known as the Strike Force Against Terror, told newsmen that he believes the proposed agreement will not be implemented because Hamas would refuse to relinquish its arsenal.
According to al-Astal, Hamas understands that surrendering its weapons would effectively mean losing its control over Gaza.
“I don’t think the agreement will go through,” he said, while expressing support for a ceasefire that excludes Hamas from the arrange...