Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida rejected calls for the group to disarm, saying it would allow Israel to continue its war in Gaza.

He argued that disarmament should not be discussed until Israel fully implements the first phase of a ceasefire plan brokered by the United States.

Hamas has also told mediators it will not consider giving up its weapons without guarantees of a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

The issue remains a major obstacle in ongoing negotiations to end the conflict, which has caused heavy casualties, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Obeida also criticized Israel’s actions in Iran and Lebanon and praised allied groups for continuing attacks against Israel.