VOA News
13 Jul 2003, 18:58 UTC
The two leading Palestinian militant groups have threatened to end a truce in their battle against Israel if the Palestinian Authority tries to confiscate their weapons.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad made the comment Sunday in a joint statement, only weeks after announcing the three-month freeze on attacks.
The statement accused Palestinian security forces of carrying out a campaign to disarm the militant groups. It said surrendering weapons was a "red line" that militant leaders would not allow security forces to cross.
Leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad announced the truce last month, which demands that Israel meet a number of conditions, including the end of incursions and aggression against militants. The groups have also demanded that Israel release thousands of prisoners.
Several smaller militant groups have also announced a halt in attacks as part of the truce.
Despite minor incidents, violent clashes between Israelis and Palestinians have declined since the truce began.
Israeli officials have voiced skepticism at the move, saying Palestinian leaders should dismantle militant groups to help move forward in the international "road map" for peace.
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