Hamas Armed Wing Refuses to Surrender Weapons, Confirms Spokesman Killed by Israel in Augusthttps://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5224285-hamas-armed-wing-refuses-surrender-weapons-confirms-spokesman-killed-israel
Hamas Armed Wing Refuses to Surrender Weapons, Confirms Spokesman Killed by Israel in August
FILE Photo of Hamas now late spokesperson Abu Ubaida. (Screengrab from al-Qassam brigades video)
Hamas's armed wing reiterated on Monday that it would not surrender its weapons, a key issue expected to feature in talks later in the day between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a video statement, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades also confirmed the death of their longtime spokesperson, months after Israel announced he had been killed in an air strike in Gaza on August 30.
"Our people are defending themselves and will not give up their weapons as long as the occupation remains," said the group's new spokesman, who has adopted the nom de guerre of his predecessor, Abu Obeida.
The statement came just hours before Trump and Netanyahu were scheduled to meet in Florida.
Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian said Netanyahu would discuss the second phase of the Gaza truce deal, which includes ensuring that "Hamas is disarmed, Gaza is demilitarized".
Rejecting that demand, the new Abu Obeida instead called for Israel to be disarmed of its weapons.
"We call on all concerned parties to work toward disarming the lethal weapons of the occupation, which have been and continue to be used in the extermination of our people," he said.
In the same statement, he confirmed the death of his predecessor, and also announced the deaths of four other Hamas commanders in Israeli attacks during the war.
"We pause in reverence before... the masked man loved by millions... the great martyred commander and spokesperson of the Qassam Brigades, Abu Obeida," he said.
During the war, Abu Obeida, whose real name was Hudhayfa Samir al-Kahlout, emerged as a central figure eagerly awaited by Gazans, as well as by Arab and international media, for official statements from Hamas's military wing, particularly those related to hostage-prisoner swaps.
Born on February 11, 1985, and raised in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, Abu Obeida joined Hamas at an early age before becoming a member of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades.
He later became the group's spokesman, delivering video statements in military uniform with his face consistently concealed by a red keffiyeh.
He survived multiple Israeli assassination attempts over the years.
Hamas officials have described him as a symbol of "resistance", known for fiery speeches that often included threats against Israel or announcements of military operations.
"For many years, only a very small circle of Hamas officials knew his true identity," a Hamas official told AFP.
Israel has decimated Hamas's leadership, saying it seeks to eradicate the group following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which triggered the war.
Lebanon Says US Delegation will Oversee Israeli Withdrawal from 'Pilot Zones'https://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5294106-lebanon-says-us-delegation-will-oversee-israeli-withdrawal-pilot-zones
Members of United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) drive through the southern Lebanese area of Al-Mansouri on July 2, 2026. (Photo by Kawnat HAJU / AFP)
Lebanon Says US Delegation will Oversee Israeli Withdrawal from 'Pilot Zones'
Members of United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) drive through the southern Lebanese area of Al-Mansouri on July 2, 2026. (Photo by Kawnat HAJU / AFP)
A US delegation was expected to arrive in Lebanon soon to oversee the implementation of Israel's withdrawal from "pilot zones" in the south, the Lebanese presidency reported on Thursday, citing the American ambassador.
Lebanon is demanding that Israel withdraw from these zones before taking part in a new round of negotiations scheduled for July 15 and 16 in Rome, a diplomatic source familiar with the talks told AFP on Wednesday.
The two countries reached a framework agreement on June 26 that calls for Hezbollah's disarmament and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory while Lebanon's army deploys into "pilot zones".
The US ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, told President Joseph Aoun that "an American military delegation will arrive in Beirut in the coming days to... determine the mechanism for implementation on the ground," according to the Lebanese presidency.
The agreement -- rejected by Hezbollah -- does not set a timetable for Israel's withdrawal, and Israeli officials have also vowed that their forces will remain in a "security zone" 10 kilometres (six miles) deep as long as Hezbollah remains armed.
"It is essential to avoid any vacuum when Israeli forces withdraw from the designated area," Issa added, according to a statement from the presidency.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, for his part, once again called on the United States to "exert pressure on Israel to halt military operations and comply with the provisions of the framework".
Aoun is expected to visit Washington later this month at the invitation of his American counterpart Donald Trump.
Lebanon's President to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Chose Negotiation to Limit the Occupation and the Suffering of Southernershttps://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5294039-lebanons-president-asharq-al-awsat-we-chose-negotiation-limit-occupation-and
Lebanon's President to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Chose Negotiation to Limit the Occupation and the Suffering of Southerners
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (AP)
With increasing military tension between the US and Iran in and around the Strait of Hormuz, Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun is trying to hold onto hope of emerging from the catastrophe that has afflicted his country.
Using the word "catastrophe" is not an exaggeration. The Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon has expanded, bringing with it destruction, exacerbating the suffering of displaced persons, and intensifying division over responsibility for the war and ways out of it.
Facing the Israeli military occupation of the South, Lebanon has no choice but to rely on American assistance, which it hopes will materialize further after the scheduled meeting at the White House on July 21 between the US and Lebanese presidents.
Aoun's Priorities for the Meeting with Trump
At Baabda Palace, Asharq Al-Awsat asked Aoun what Lebanon seeks from the White House meeting.
He replied: "First, we want Lebanon to remain on the American agenda ... There is no need to reiterate the importance of having a good relationship with the US and benefiting from President Donald Trump's expressed desire to help us; his role is vital, and we are counting on it."
"We face an extremely difficult and complex situation. We know well that the US is the only party capable of exerting pressure on the Israeli government to prevent it from targeting the southern suburbs (of Beirut), infrastructure, or expanding occupied areas in southern Lebanon. No other party can fulfill this role."
"We want the US administration to help us restore our entire land. We will not relinquish a single inch or a single citizen. The issue of our sovereignty is not subject to concession or interpretation. It is at the forefront of the national principles that we are keen to adhere to. We want the land to be returned and to be under the sole authority of the Lebanese army, meaning under the authority of legitimate Lebanese institutions," Aoun added.
He stressed that Lebanon is asking for its natural right to extend the authority of its legitimate institutions over all Lebanese territories. "We cannot leave southern Lebanon captive to regional developments, with its people paying heavy prices in lives and property."
"Lebanon's fate cannot be separated from the fate of its south, neither in security, nor in economy, nor in stability," Aoun added.
Relatives of missing victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
"We want President Trump to support our legitimate demands for the restoration of our entire land, and he is expected to succeed in persuading Israel to withdraw from Lebanon. I want to inform him of the reality in southern Lebanon and the dangers of maintaining the current situation or returning to escalation," Aoun told Asharq-Awsat.
He also hoped for American support for the Lebanese army, which is tasked with difficult missions, and for the reconstruction of what the war has destroyed and assistance to stimulate the Lebanese economy after the significant losses it has suffered.
Calculations of Direct Negotiation with Israel
Regarding the division over the method of direct negotiations with Israel, Aoun said: "We were not in a situation that allowed for ideal choices. The war threatened to expand, along with Israel threatening to occupy more territory. The scenes of displacement were harsh, as were the scenes of destruction."
"There was a risk of widespread destruction to Beirut and its infrastructure. We were effectively faced with a single option, especially given the significant imbalance of power. We had no choice but to seek assistance from the US. Direct negotiations were the only available option for us to make a serious attempt to shorten the period of occupation of our land, alleviate the suffering of the displaced, open the door for their return to their villages, and strive to rebuild what was destroyed."
President Joseph Aoun meeting with the Lebanese negotiating delegation before heading to Washington (Lebanese Presidency)
Aoun pointed out that "the state is responsible for the fate of every inch and every citizen. There is no distinction between one inch and another, or one citizen and another. We made difficult decisions based on our national responsibilities. We cannot continue to pay prices for any other party."
"Lebanon's decisions must be made within its legitimate institutions. Lebanon must defend its interests, sovereignty, and stability, which is why we said we would not accept anyone else negotiating on our behalf or in our name, nor becoming a bargaining chip in others' calculations," he stated.
Regarding the uproar caused by Trump's suggestion of a meeting between him and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Aoun stated that "the idea of this meeting is fundamentally ruled out, but social media and others sometimes indulge in baseless scenarios."
Attempts to Overthrow the Government
Regarding the possibility of opponents of the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel resorting to overthrowing the government, he said: "Changing the government is guided by constitutional frameworks. However, using the street to overthrow the cabinet is rejected. Furthermore, institutions play their role, always within the limits of available capabilities."
He stressed that "the government's performance is excellent, and the ministers are productive."
Hezbollah supporters block the old airport road in the southern suburbs of Beirut, with burning tires to protest against the trilateral agreement that was signed between the US, Israel and Lebanon on June 27, 2026. (Photo by Ibrahim AMRO / AFP)
Regarding his ties with Hezbollah, Aoun said: "We did not choose to sever ties with anyone. Our offices are open to everyone without exception."
"There is an objection to a choice made by the state to shorten the period of occupation and the suffering of the people. Whoever has another option to achieve this goal should present it, and we will discuss it. The option of continued war is not an option," he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
On the inclusion of a ceasefire in Lebanon in the first clause of the American-Iranian Memorandum of Understanding and its impact on the framework agreement, he said: "We welcome any assistance that aligns with Lebanon's interests. America is the only one capable of exerting pressure on Israel or persuading it. And Iran is the only one capable of influencing Hezbollah and its decisions. Of course, while affirming that Lebanon is the one negotiating on all matters related to it."
Regarding Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri's opposition to the framework agreement with Israel, Aoun said: "Speaker Berri is a statesman, and we share what are considered red lines, which are not compromising civil peace, the reputation and role of the army, and not resorting to street protests."
He also noted that his relationship with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is excellent.
Relationship Between Aoun and the Army Commander
Asked about the army's cohesion given Lebanon's circumstances and about rumors of renewed tensions between him and Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal, the Lebanese president replied that "the army is cohesive and has not faltered. It is already implementing government decisions, naturally within the available capabilities."
"The army and all security institutions are doing everything they can. My relationship with General Haykal is excellent. There is no truth to the claims circulated by some media outlets."
President Joseph Aoun meeting with Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal (Lebanese Presidency)
Aoun also expressed his satisfaction with Arab support for Lebanon. He said: "Saudi Arabia, as always, has not hesitated to provide any assistance we request to support our efforts in restoring our rights and sovereignty."
"I would like to thank the Saudi leadership, especially Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for the decision to resume Lebanese exports. I also want to thank the Qatari government for assisting Lebanon, and the same applies to the United Arab Emirates, which allowed its citizens to visit Lebanon."
When asked if he was concerned about his safety, Aoun replied with a smile: "God is the guardian. No one dies before their time comes."
US to Remove Syria from Terror Blacklisthttps://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5293969-us-remove-syria-terror-blacklist
US President Donald Trump meets Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) on the sidelines of the NATO Summit at Bestepe Presidential Compound in Ankara, on July 8, 2026. (AFP)
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US to Remove Syria from Terror Blacklist
US President Donald Trump meets Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) on the sidelines of the NATO Summit at Bestepe Presidential Compound in Ankara, on July 8, 2026. (AFP)
The United States said Wednesday it will delist Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism, a decades-old designation that severely impeded investment, in a new vote of confidence in President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally informed Congress of the long-expected move, which will be effective in 45 days unless lawmakers take the unlikely step of blocking it.
The step came as President Donald Trump met on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Türkiye with Sharaa, who led a 2024 opposition offensive that toppled the Assad family, which ruled with an iron fist for a half century.
"This is yet another historic step by President Trump to give the Syrian people a chance at greatness," Rubio said in a statement.
"Lifting sanctions on Syria will unlock international trade and investment, give Syria a chance to rebuild, and open up a new chapter for the Syrian people," he said.
Trump's embrace of Sharaa comes despite misgivings from Israel, which has repeatedly launched airstrikes in Syria.
Trump had earlier publicly pressed for Syria to make peace with Israel but went ahead with the delisting decision despite a lack of tangible progress.
Rubio said in his statement that "a stable, unified Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors benefits not only the region, but the entire world."
A year ago, Trump started lifting most sanctions on Syria after Saudi Arabia and Türkiye both encouraged him to meet Sharaa.
Meeting with Sharaa, Trump said: "He's doing an unbelievable job in unifying Syria. What a job he's doing."
"Syria was a mess with what happened with the previous government," Trump said.
The United States listed Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism in 1979.
The designation creates legal risks to working in Syria for businesses, especially American ones or those with transactions in the world's largest economy.
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