Israeli Strikes Threaten Emerging Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Amid Hamas Disarmament Talks

An emerging ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, revealed last Thursday, faces jeopardy due to ongoing Israeli military strikes in the Gaza Strip. A source from the International Peace Council stated on Sunday that these attacks violate the understandings reached, while the United States has urged Israel to reduce military operations to avoid endangering the deal. Concurrently, reports from Gaza confirmed the killing of Nafaz Sabih, a senior Hamas military figure, in a vehicle strike.

The disclosed agreement involves Hamas committing to a gradual handover of weapons over several years, excluding heavy arms, and Arab states agreeing to pay millions in severance to Hamas officials replaced by a technocratic committee. Israel would commit to a long-term ceasefire, including halting targeted killings in Gaza, while the IDF would maintain its positions but gradually withdraw from certain areas. However, American, regional, and Palestinian sources described the agreement as largely a "fiction," doubting Hamas would fully disarm or reveal its tunnel networks.

A political source emphasized that Gaza was not discussed in the recent Netanyahu-Trump meeting, with Israel demanding full Hamas disarmament and Gaza demilitarization as prerequisites for any process. Israel has communicated its objections to envoy Tony Blair and insists there will be no withdrawal from the "yellow line" in Gaza before Hamas is disarmed.

Advanced talks are reportedly ongoing in Cairo, under Egyptian intelligence auspices and mediated by Qatar and Turkey, aiming for Hamas to declare disarmament and transfer Gaza's administration to an international stabilization force. A signing ceremony could occur soon, pending resolution of issues like Israel's right to resume hostilities and the stabilization force's authority. US pressure is accelerating progress.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir condemned the agreement, rejecting any ceasefire or negotiations with Hamas, labeling them as enemies intent on Israel's destruction. Similarly, Israel Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman opposed any deal, advocating Hamas's elimination instead. Last Sunday, the Israeli cabinet unanimously approved the entry of the International Peace Council into Gaza, with Ben-Gvir dissenting. The cabinet also authorized immunity for the International Stabilization Force (ISF), which will operate in coordination with the IDF beyond the yellow line, subject to approval by Israel's Prime Minister, Defense, and Foreign Ministers. Only countries with peace agreements and no hostile actions against Israel may contribute forces.