Israel Approves US Team to Map Hamas Disarmament Sites in Gaza
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Israel has permitted an American company to enter Gaza and map sites for Hamas weapon surrender as part of a U.S.-backed peace plan. The team will initially focus on Rafah and Khan Yunis, aiming to facilitate Hamas disarmament before Israeli withdrawal. Security officials express pessimism about the plan's success, citing Hamas's continued military buildup despite public disarmament statements.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel approved a U.S. company to map sites for Hamas weapon surrender in Gaza.
- The initiative is part of a U.S. peace plan for Hamas disarmament and Gaza demilitarization.
- The American team will begin operations in Rafah and Khan Yunis.
- Safe passage for armed individuals to surrender weapons is a key challenge.
- Israeli security officials are pessimistic about the plan's success.
- Hamas is reportedly continuing to rebuild its military capabilities in Gaza.
Israel has authorized an American company, operating under the auspices of the Peace Council, to enter the Gaza Strip to identify locations where Hamas members can surrender weapons for destruction. The team is expected to begin its work in the southern Gaza cities of Rafah and Khan Yunis, areas currently under Israeli control.
This initiative is a key component of a peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which aims for Hamas to disarm and for Gaza to be demilitarized. The American team will conduct surveys to find suitable sites for armed Gazans to bring their weapons. A significant challenge is ensuring the safe passage of these individuals to the designated locations while maintaining security and avoiding threats to Israeli forces.
The exact mechanism for weapon handover and the procedures for armed individuals to move within Gaza have not yet been finalized. According to the Peace Council's plan, the surrender of weapons by Hamas is intended to precede Israel's gradual withdrawal from Gaza. Following the disarmament of certain areas, Israel would begin its withdrawal, with those areas subsequently transferred to the responsibility of the technocratic government.
However, within Israel's security establishment, there is pessimism regarding the plan's likelihood of success. A senior security official told Kan News that the U.S. is exerting considerable pressure on Israel to advance the plan's implementation. This official noted that despite Hamas's public declarations of intent to disarm, the organization is actively rebuilding its capabilities in Gaza.
