Gaza – A United States-led peace plan for Gaza proposes a phased disarmament of Hamas, allowing the militant group to retain limited light weaponry while surrendering its long-range arsenal, according to reports emerging from officials involved in the negotiations. The plan, detailed in a report by the New York Times and corroborated by multiple sources, is expected to be presented to Hamas representatives in the coming weeks by a delegation including U.S. Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside the special envoy for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov.
The proposed “gradual disarmament” process is anticipated to take months, if not longer, to complete. A key point of contention remains the ultimate destination of the surrendered weaponry and the entity responsible for overseeing and implementing the disarmament process. This uncertainty is compounded by the existing deep distrust between all parties involved.
The unveiling of this plan coincides with increasing pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the complete disarmament of Hamas as a precondition for any reconstruction efforts in Gaza. , Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where he is expected to reiterate this demand. According to an Israeli source, Netanyahu will emphasize the perceived lack of progress in the second phase of the current ceasefire and suggest that a new Israeli military operation in Gaza may be necessary to facilitate the implementation of Trump’s broader regional plan.
The U.S. Administration formally launched the second phase of its Gaza plan this week, shifting focus from the initial ceasefire framework to a post-ceasefire phase centered on demilitarization, technocratic governance and reconstruction. U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff announced the commencement of phase two, explicitly stating the expectation of full compliance from Hamas, including the return of all remaining Israeli hostages. “The U.S. Expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage,” Witkoff stated on X, warning of “serious consequences” for non-compliance.
However, the prospect of disarmament faces significant resistance from within Hamas itself. Khaled Meshaal, head of Hamas abroad, recently rejected calls for disarmament, arguing that disarming a population under occupation would leave them vulnerable to Israeli aggression. Speaking at the Al Jazeera Forum in Doha on , Meshaal framed the discussion around disarmament as a continuation of longstanding efforts to neutralize Palestinian resistance. He asserted that any discussion of disarmament must be contingent upon an end to the Israeli occupation and the creation of an environment conducive to reconstruction and lasting peace.
The proposed plan reportedly envisions Hamas retaining limited light weapons, a detail that has raised concerns among some observers. The rationale behind allowing Hamas to maintain some arms is not fully clear, but it may be intended to allow the group to maintain a degree of internal security and prevent a power vacuum. However, this concession is likely to be met with strong opposition from Israel, which has consistently demanded the complete dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities.
Adding to the complexity, reports indicate internal disagreements within Hamas regarding the disarmament proposal. Sources suggest concerns within the organization about potentially losing control over the Gaza Strip. This internal division highlights the challenges facing mediators attempting to secure a unified response from Hamas.
The situation is further complicated by the ongoing hostage crisis. The families of hostages still held in Gaza are urging the U.S. Not to proceed with phase two of the plan until all hostages are released. A gathering in Tel Aviv on saw families of hostages, residents of Gaza border communities, and law enforcement officials calling for the immediate return of Ran Gvili, held captive for 833 days, before any transition to the next phase of the peace process.
The success of the U.S. Plan hinges on a delicate balance of competing interests and demands. Israel insists on complete disarmament, Hamas rejects any relinquishing of arms while under occupation, and the U.S. Seeks a pragmatic solution that can lead to a sustainable peace. The coming weeks will be critical as the U.S. Delegation attempts to navigate these complexities and secure an agreement that can pave the way for a lasting resolution to the conflict in Gaza. Experts warn that disarming Hamas remains the decisive test for achieving lasting peace in the region, a challenge that has eluded international efforts for decades.
The plan also comes as Washington seeks to address concerns about the potential for a resurgence of violence. The Israeli government has reportedly informed Washington that it considers a new military operation in Gaza necessary if the current ceasefire does not progress towards full implementation of the broader regional plan. This underscores the fragility of the current situation and the potential for escalation if negotiations falter.
