In a statement, the Islamist militia, which has controlled the enclave since 2007, also warned against any attempt to displace Palestinians from the territory, devastated after two years of Israeli aggression.

“Only our people have the right to decide who runs them and manage their affairs,” the group stated.

It also reiterated that Palestinians have the right to defend themselves, free their occupied land, and establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Hamas called on the international community, and especially Arab countries, to pressure Israel to comply with the terms of the current truce, open Gaza’s border crossings, and halt its attacks.

Yesterday, the army killed Raed Saad, considered the second-in-command of the group’s military wing in Gaza Strip, and this morning they killed Ahmed Zamzam, head of internal security in the central part of the territory.

Hamas’s statements coincide with talks to deploy an international force to the area as part of a second phase of the ceasefire agreement, in effect since October 10.

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