A senior leader of the Palestinian group Hamas has stated that while the group is open to a 'freeze' or storage of its weapons as part of a long-term truce in Gaza, it rejects calls for complete disarmament. This proposal is being discussed with international mediators, as part of ongoing negotiations for a US-sponsored peace plan. The plan includes a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, to be replaced by an international stabilization force, and the release of prisoners and hostages by both sides. Hamas has expressed willingness to allow international forces along Gaza's border, but not inside the territory, viewing such a presence as an occupation. The group insists that any guarantees for peace must address what it sees as threats from Israel, not from Gaza.