Hamas Disarmament Plan in Gaza Faces Skepticism Amid Ongoing Violence and Political Tensions

A peace council official discussed the recently published 15-point roadmap for implementing former US President Donald Trump's peace plan in Gaza, which has already drawn criticism within Israeli politics. The plan's key element is that once sections addressing police weapons, heavy arms, tunnels, production sites, and personal firearms are completed, only a technocratic committee will hold weapons in Gaza. The official emphasized that within months, Hamas and other groups would no longer possess weapons, as all arms would be handed over to the committee for storage and decommissioning under the supervision of the International Security Force (ISF), commanded by US General Jasper Jeffers.

Hamas has raised its demands, conditioning the second phase of the agreement on Israel fully implementing the first phase and linking heavy weapons discussions to the establishment of a Palestinian state. Hamas fears being blamed for the agreement's collapse and awaits Israel's official response, doubting it will easily disarm or relinquish control. The peace council official explained that the disarmament process involves Hamas and other groups surrendering weapons to the committee, which stores them out of reach and oversees their deactivation. A supervisory committee, alongside the ISF, will verify compliance, including inspections of tunnels and production sites.

The official acknowledged the deep mutual distrust, noting that Israel will not withdraw from its "red lines" before Hamas disarms, and Hamas will not disarm before Israel halts targeted killings and resumes humanitarian commitments. He stressed that Hamas must cease all military activities, including rearmament and recruitment, for progress. Despite skepticism, the official expressed cautious hope, citing past successes like the prisoner exchange deal. He said, "Either they disarm and we move toward reconstruction and prosperity, or we remain in the current state."

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza, with medical sources reporting a Palestinian fatality in a strike on Salah al-Din Street. Political figures in Israel criticized the plan: former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot lamented learning about the deal from foreign sources and warned against allowing Hamas to remain armed. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir rejected the agreement, insisting that targeted killings must continue to prevent future attacks.

Supporters of the plan include Ivanka Trump, who called it a "historic breakthrough," praising diplomatic efforts to achieve Hamas's disarmament, Gaza's rehabilitation, new governance, humanitarian aid, and economic recovery. European Union Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas also welcomed the roadmap as a constructive step toward peace, emphasizing that full implementation and commitment from all parties are essential. She noted the significant challenge of verifying Hamas's compliance and acknowledged that Israel would eventually need to withdraw from Gaza. The EU expressed readiness to support the next phases of the process.