Hamas has stated that it will not give up its weapons, while also saying that only official police forces would be allowed to openly carry arms in the Gaza Strip under future governance arrangements.
The group said its military wing and weapons remain essential for what it describes as resistance against Israel, rejecting international calls for full disarmament.
At the same time, Hamas officials indicated that public security and law enforcement inside Gaza would be handled by police forces rather than armed factions carrying weapons openly in civilian areas.
The statement comes amid ongoing discussions about possible post-war governance structures in Gaza following months of conflict between Israel and Hamas.
International mediators and several governments have repeatedly called for Gaza to be demilitarized as part of any long-term ceasefire or political settlement.
However, Hamas insists that its armed capabilities are non-negotiable and argues that disarmament would leave Palestinians vulnerable.
Israeli officials have continued to demand the complete dismantling of Hamas’s military infrastructure, saying lasting peace cannot be achieved while the group remains armed.
Analysts say the latest comments highlight the major obstacles facing negotiations over Gaza’s future, particularly regarding security control, governance, and the role of armed groups after the war.
The conflict has caused widespread destruction across Gaza and intensified international debate over how the territory should be governed and secured once fighting eventually ends.