"Our people are defending themselves and will not give up their weapons as long as the occupation persists," said in a video statement by Abu Obeida, newly appointed spokesman for Hamas' armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades.
The new spokesperson has taken the same name as his predecessor, whose death was confirmed by Hamas earlier on Monday.
The statement should be seen in the context of US President Donald Trump receiving Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday evening local time in Sweden, where the two will discuss Gaza.
According to sources, there is concern in parts of Trump's staff that both Hamas and Israel are delaying the process of initiating phase two of the ceasefire. According to the current plan, it would include both an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the disarmament of Hamas - something the terrorist movement has repeatedly rejected.
