Hamas Debt Payments Up to $400 Million Included in 15-Point Peace Council Agreement

As part of a 15-point agreement between the Peace Council, mediators, and Hamas, a commitment was made to pay off Hamas's debts up to $400 million, according to a report by Kan News on Tuesday evening. The agreement's clause 5 vaguely states that funds will be transferred to suppliers and contractors. A Peace Council official confirmed that the money will go to public employees who have not been paid and to suppliers and contractors who provided services to the population and are still owed money. The Council emphasized that each payment claim will be reviewed individually and clarified that this commitment does not cover Hamas's corruption, financial mismanagement related to its governance in Gaza, or any aspects related to its record of terrorism and repression.

Last week, Kan News reported that the Peace Council is developing a plan offering payments to those who surrender weapons in Gaza and commit to abandoning terrorism. This "weapon buyback" policy would provide thousands of dollars and inclusion in a rehabilitation program for those who lay down arms and agree to future oversight. Both the 20-point plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and the 15-point agreement with Hamas address weapon possession under Palestinian law, which requires licenses for all firearms, including pistols. The program primarily targets the collection of Kalashnikov rifles.

The Peace Council expects international financial support, especially from Gulf countries, to fund the weapon collection project. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the 15-point plan for Gaza. Despite Netanyahu's statement, preparations for a second phase in Gaza are underway at the IDF headquarters in Kiryat Gat.