Israel Opposes Peace Council's Gaza Disarmament Plan Amid Regional Pressure on Hamas

Israel has expressed opposition to a disarmament plan for Hamas promoted by the Peace Council during ongoing negotiations, according to a report on Thursday evening by Kan News. A diplomatic source described the process as aiming to eliminate weapons manufacturing and tunnels in Gaza, but an Israeli official emphasized that full disarmament of Hamas remains a precondition. Despite these differences, significant progress has been made, though an agreement is not imminent, as Peace Council Director Nikolay Mladenov is currently not in Egypt.

Contradicting earlier reports, an informed source stated that Gaza was indeed discussed during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump. Israeli sources also confirmed advancements in preparing Gaza for a post-conflict phase, including ongoing demolition clearance operations by a company working at a new site in the Strip.

Regional mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey are reportedly exerting strong pressure on Hamas to sign the proposed agreement, which includes surrendering its weapons. Egypt is said to be the most forceful among these countries. Mediators have conveyed to Hamas that the group has no better alternative to maintain its security. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates is monitoring developments closely and plans to invest substantially in Gaza's reconstruction, particularly in the Green City area near Rafah, contingent on Hamas disarmament.

Earlier on Thursday, the Peace Council announced progress in talks to dismantle Hamas's military capabilities, stating that the organization would lose its governing role in Gaza upon completion. The roadmap includes the destruction of all weapons, tunnels, and manufacturing facilities. Following the announcement, a diplomatic source clarified that Gaza was not discussed in Netanyahu's U.S. meetings and reiterated Israel's firm stance against any withdrawal before Hamas is disarmed.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing negotiations and regional diplomatic efforts focused on achieving a disarmament agreement that could pave the way for Gaza's reconstruction and stability.