Israeli-Backed Militia Commander: Hamas Will Reject Any Deal Requiring Disarmament

Hussam al-Astal, leader of the Israeli-backed Strike Force Against Terror militia operating in Gaza, told the Times of Israel on August 10, 2026 that he does not believe the Board of Peace's disarmament roadmap — formally accepted by Hamas on July 30 — will be implemented, because Hamas understands that surrendering its weapons would mean losing control of Gaza. Al-Astal called on Israel to reject moving into the ceasefire's second phase unless Hamas verifiably disarms first. His comments came as Israel maintained its public rejection of the 15-point plan while keeping forces behind the Yellow Line and pausing strikes, and as Board of Peace officials continued pressing both sides to implement the 14-day disarmament roadmap agreed July 30.