Hamas officials downplay remaining weapons as Israel presses for disarmament

The statements come as Israel continues to demand the dismantling of Hamas’ military infrastructure as a prerequisite for moving to phase two of the ceasefire.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Senior officials in Hamas have told an Arab newspaper that the organization’s remaining weapons in Gaza are limited, as Israel insists on full disarmament before advancing to the next stage of the ceasefire agreement.

In interviews with Asharq Al-Awsat, the officials said the armed factions operating in Gaza are now mainly left with Kalashnikov and M16 rifles, other light weapons, a small number of anti-tank grenades, and limited explosive devices.

The comments appeared aimed at conveying that Hamas’ remaining capabilities no longer pose a significant security threat to Israel.

The statements come as Israel continues to demand the dismantling of Hamas’ military infrastructure as a prerequisite for moving to phase two of the ceasefire. Israeli officials have maintained that without disarmament, any civilian rehabilitation or reconstruction in Gaza cannot proceed.

At the same time, Israeli intelligence assessments sharply contradict Hamas’ portrayal.

During talks held last week with President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented information indicating that Hamas still possesses approximately 60,000 Kalashnikov rifles and maintains around 20,000 armed fighters in Gaza.

According to Channel 13 News reporter Moriah Asraf, Netanyahu told the US administration that “without weapons collection, there will be no civilian rehabilitation of Gaza.”

Further insight into Hamas’ thinking emerged from an internal document recently uncovered by the Israeli group Ad Kan together with the Reservists Generation of Victory movement.

The document, which was found on Hamas-affiliated social media channels, outlines the organization’s conclusions from the Swords of Iron war and its future intentions, including plans relating to Judea and Samaria.

Ad Kan chairman Gilad Ach said the document describes the first day of the war as “the glorious crossing day,” asserting that Hamas succeeded in paralyzing Israel, while acknowledging that not all of its objectives were achieved. According to Ach, the document states that the next confrontation would involve multiple fronts, naming Judea and Samaria and Lebanon, and sets as a goal ending the current war with the organization still intact.

International media reports say Netanyahu and Trump agreed to allow roughly two months for Hamas’ disarmament, the full demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, and the destruction of the remaining tunnel network. Israeli officials have warned that if those conditions are not met, the Israel Defense Forces will be required to carry out a large-scale military operation to complete the mission.