"It is inconceivable to disarm factions at this time because armament is legal as long as the occupation continues," he told Palestinian public television.

"Keeping our weapons is a strategic option," Qidwa said, adding these weapons "must not undermine internal security," in a reference to confrontations between Palestinians.

With regard to the fragile truce between Israel and the Palestinians, he also reaffirmed the Palestinian Authority's will to preserve the period of calm, saying it "serves the national interest" of Palestinians, as long as the truce is also observed by Israel.

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