‘Israeli’ army chief claims “victory” over Hamas

• IOF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir claimed victory over Hamas, citing two years of military and political pressure.
• Hamas said it refuses to disarm and will not govern post-war Gaza in its transition phase.

Eyal Zamir, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Chief of Staff claimed victory over Hamas in an address on Sunday.  

“The military pressure we have exerted over the past two years, together with the complementary political move, constitutes a victory over Hamas,” Zamir said. 

"We will continue to act in order to shape a security reality that ensures the Gaza Strip no longer poses a threat to the State of Israel and its civilians.... Through our operations, we are reshaping the Middle East and our security strategy for the years ahead," he added.

Read more: Hamas demands seven Palestinian leaders in exchange deal

While agreeing not to govern post-war Gaza during the transitional phase, Hamas stated that disarmament is “completely off the table,” directly challenging US President Donald Trump’s demands, particularly Clause 13 of his plan.

In an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP), a Hamas official speaking anonymously clarified: “The issue of handing over weapons is out of discussion and not on the table.”

"For Hamas, the governance of the Gaza Strip is a closed issue. Hamas will not participate at all in the transitional phase, which means it has relinquished control of the Strip, but it remains a fundamental part of the Palestinian fabric," the source added.