Israel and Hamas Make Progress Toward Ceasefire Agreement Including Gaza Disarmament

Israeli and Hamas officials are reportedly advancing in negotiations toward implementing the second phase of a ceasefire agreement, with a formal announcement on reaching terms expected soon. The emerging deal, brokered by mediators, centers on the complete disarmament of Gaza, including all weapons held by police, light and heavy arms, tunnels, weapons caches, and manufacturing sites. After disarmament, only the Palestinian committee will be authorized to store or control weapons in Gaza, while Hamas and other groups will be prohibited from retaining arms or military infrastructure.

A key provision requires Hamas to cease all military activities, including recruitment and rearmament, with the cessation of hostilities expected to coincide with a halt to targeted killings by Israel. However, Israel reserves the right to act against emerging threats. The agreement also stipulates that Israel will maintain its presence along the original "yellow line" border until Gaza is fully disarmed.

The disarmament process is anticipated to begin within weeks, with surrendered weapons stored in designated depots guarded by multinational forces. The accord aims not only to remove existing arms but also to prevent Hamas from rebuilding military capabilities through recruitment, weapons production, or infrastructure restoration. Despite these developments, no official statement has yet confirmed the completion of talks or the timeline for implementing the next phase.

Separately, the Israeli military recently killed a Hamas sniper cell leader and a militant involved in the October 7 attacks, underscoring ongoing security operations amid the negotiations.