Hamas official rejects US demand for disarmament as armed groups move to regain control in Gaza

A Hamas official confirmed on Saturday that the demand for the movement’s disarmament, which is included in US President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza, is “out of the question.”

The official, who requested anonymity, told the Agence France-Presse that “the issue of surrendering weapons is out of the question and not even on the table.” These statements were made on the second day of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

At the same time, information cited by the BBC suggests that the Palestinian organisation has recalled about 7,000 members of its security forces in order to regain control over areas of Gaza recently vacated by Israeli troops, according to local sources.

Hamas also appointed five new governors, all with military backgrounds, some of whom had previously commanded brigades of its armed wing.

Sources indicate that the mobilisation order was given via telephone calls and messages, which stated that the goal is “to clear Gaza of criminals and collaborators with Israel,” with fighters obliged to report within 24 hours.

Why armed groups came out onto the streets of Gaza

Reports from Gaza show that armed Hamas units have already been deployed in several neighbourhoods—some dressed in civilian clothes, others in the blue uniforms of the Gaza police.

Tensions sharply escalated after the killing of two members of Hamas’s elite forces by gunmen from the powerful Doghmush clan, in the Sabra neighbourhood of Gaza City. One of the deceased was the son of Imad Akel, a senior commander of the armed wing, who now leads Hamas’s military intelligence service.

The bodies of the two men were left on the street, causing outrage and fears of a major armed response from Hamas.

Later, Hamas gunmen surrounded an area where more than 300 Doghmush clan fighters were believed to be barricaded, armed with machine guns and improvised explosive devices.

On Saturday morning, Hamas killed one member of the clan and reportedly abducted about 30 others.

Struggle for control of post-war Gaza

The Hamas mobilisation was largely expected, as uncertainty prevails over who will govern Gaza after the end of the war—a critical issue that is likely to complicate the second phase of Donald Trump’s peace plan, which calls for the organisation’s disarmament.

A Hamas official abroad, speaking to the BBC, refused to comment directly on reports of the massive deployment of forces but stated: “We cannot leave Gaza at the mercy of robbers and militias supported by the Israeli occupation. Our weapons are legitimate… for resistance against the occupation, and they will remain as long as the occupation continues.”

Fears of a new internal conflict

A retired security officer who had served for years under the Palestinian Authority in Gaza expressed fears that the region is heading towards a new round of internal bloodshed.

“Hamas has not changed. It still believes that weapons and violence are the only way to keep its movement alive,” he told the BBC.

“Gaza is awash with weapons. Robbers looted thousands of guns and rounds from Hamas warehouses during the war, while some groups even received supplies from Israel. This is the perfect recipe for civil war: weapons, frustration, chaos, and a movement desperate to regain control over an exhausted and ravaged population.”

“The risk of internal conflict is real”

Human rights expert Khalil Abu Shamala, who lives in Gaza, said it remains to be seen whether Hamas will agree to surrender control on the ground or attempt to obstruct the implementation of the peace plan.

“There is undoubtedly widespread fear among Gaza residents of potential internal conflicts, given the many factors that could trigger them,” he said.

He further added that Hamas was forced to accept the peace plan due to intense pressure. “I believe that its ongoing efforts to maintain influence by any means, even through interference in security matters, could ultimately jeopardise the agreement and lead the residents of Gaza to even greater suffering,” he noted.