Hamas Nears Agreement to Gradually Disarm and Cede Gaza Control to International Force

Hamas is reportedly close to finalizing an agreement to gradually disarm and relinquish control over the Gaza Strip, according to a report by Channel 13 News and Palestinian outlet Palestine Al-Youm. The deal, expected to be announced imminently, involves Hamas committing to hand over its weapons over several years, excluding heavy arms, which will be limited and stored but not surrendered. Arab states will provide millions of dollars as "retirement payments" to Hamas officials who will be replaced by a technocratic committee.

The agreement includes a 15-point roadmap linking the disarmament to a full withdrawal, cessation of targeted killings, and implementation of commitments from the first ceasefire phase. Regional sources confirmed advanced talks in Cairo, mediated by Egyptian intelligence and facilitated by Qatar and Turkey, with a signing ceremony anticipated soon. The U.S. administration under President Donald Trump is reportedly pressing for rapid progress, with Hamas agreeing to transfer weapons to a third party other than the Palestinian Authority.

On Sunday, Israel's cabinet unanimously approved the entry of an international peacekeeping force, the International Stabilization Force (ISF), into Gaza, a key element of Trump's 20-point plan that led to the release of hostages. Only National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir opposed the decision. The ISF will operate beyond the "yellow line" under full coordination with the IDF, with Israel retaining authority over which countries may contribute forces, limited to friendly states with peace agreements.

Hamas recently appointed Khalil al-Hayya as head of its political bureau, succeeding Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in an IDF operation in October 2024. Al-Hayya had served as Sinwar's deputy during the October 7 massacre. The ongoing negotiations and international involvement mark a significant shift in Gaza's governance and security arrangements.