# Islamic Jihad

Hamas Rejects Disarmament and Foreign Rule, Threatening Gaza Reconstruction Plans

Hamas leader Khaled Mashal told Doha audiences that his movement will not surrender its weapons or accept foreign administration of Gaza, directly opposing Israeli demands that the territory be demilitarized before reconstruction. The unified stance of Palestinian armed groups complicates donor and mediator plans for rebuilding Gaza and raises the prospect of prolonged humanitarian and political deadlock.