A Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip says the Islamic militant group has no plans to dismantle its security forces or end its struggle against Israel after a new Palestinian unity government is formed this week.

Hamas and the rival Fatah movement are set to sign a unity deal in Cairo on Wednesday. The plan seeks to end a 4-year-old rift that has left the Palestinians divided between a Western-leaning government in the West Bank and the Hamas regime in Gaza.

The plan calls for elections next year but is vague about the future of rival security forces or using violence against Israel.

Speaking in Gaza on Monday, Hamas' prime minister, Ismail Haniyeh, said Hamas will retain security control in the coastal strip and won't lay down its weapons.