Hamas sets conditions for disarmament

Hamas will not begin disarmament until certain conditions are met, according to senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad.

"We will not take any steps until we are confident that Israel will fulfill its obligations",

Hamad said.

He said disarmament could only begin once Israeli troops start withdrawing from Gaza, armed groups backed by Israel are disbanded, the terms of the first phase of the ceasefire are met, and the National Governance Committee for Gaza is established.