Hamas has told Egyptian and Qatari mediators it is ready to lay down and store its arsenal of heavy weapons, but only as part of a deal that includes Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and a long-term truce, sources told The National on Sunday.
They said Hamas is also opposed to suggestions that hundreds of fighters trapped in underground tunnels in the Israeli-controlled part of Gaza should be given safe passage out of the coastal enclave if they surrender.
Instead, Hamas wants only the badly wounded among them to leave Gaza for treatment abroad while the rest go to Hamas-held areas in the territory with arms for self-defence, according to the sources, who have first-hand knowledge of continuing deliberations between Hamas and the two Arab mediators.
Hamas also wants members of its armed wing, the Al Qassam Brigades, to retain their firearms for self-defence, according to the sources.
A displaced Palestinian wo
Continue Reading on The National UAE
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.