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In a significant development regarding the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the United States has put forth a proposal that demands Hamas surrender most of its weaponry while permitting the militant group to retain certain small arms initially. This draft plan, spearheaded by a team including key figures from the Trump administration, aims to facilitate the demilitarisation of Gaza, a crucial aspect of the broader 20-point strategy designed to stabilise the region.
A Shift in Strategy
According to sources familiar with the situation, an American-led delegation, which features Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, and other notable figures such as Steve Witkoff and Nickolay Mladenov, is poised to present the proposal to Hamas in the coming weeks. The officials who divulged these details requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, emphasising that the plan remains subject to changes as negotiations progress.
The proposed framework marks a pivotal attempt to reduce Hamas’s military capabilities, a critical step in advancing the ceasefire agreement established after two years of conflict. Should Hamas agree to disarm substantially, it could signify a notable shift in the power dynamics within Gaza, where the group has maintained a stronghold.
The Demilitarisation Challenge
Dylan Johnson, a spokesperson for the White House, underscored the administration’s expectation that Hamas will comply with the proposed plan. He stated, “The United States is working closely with all parties and mediators to ensure full implementation of the plan and to advance a durable security framework that supports long-term stability in the region and prosperity for Gaza.” However, questions remain regarding the future of the weapons that Hamas would be expected to relinquish and the mechanism for their collection.
The plan builds upon previously discussed principles, with Kushner having outlined the initial steps for Gaza’s demilitarisation during a recent presentation in Davos. He highlighted that heavy weaponry would be “decommissioned immediately” and that personal arms would be registered and subsequently dismantled as a new Palestinian administration assumes control of security in the territory.
Israeli Stance on Security
Israeli officials have made clear that no troop withdrawals will occur until Hamas and other militant factions fully disarm. This insistence stems from the belief that Hamas’s extensive network of underground tunnels forms a critical part of its military infrastructure, further complicating the prospects for peace. Shira Efron, chair of Israel policy at the RAND Corporation, stated, “Demilitarisation is the linchpin of everything. If it doesn’t happen, we could end up with two Gazas, one run by Israel and the other by Hamas, or a return to a fully fledged war.”
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterated his government’s position, asserting that Hamas must be disarmed “the easy way or the hard way.” This firm stance reflects the aftermath of the devastating attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and ignited the current hostilities.
Internal Divisions Within Hamas
Despite the pressure to disarm, Hamas has not publicly expressed any willingness to surrender its arms. The notion of disarmament has sparked internal divisions within the group, with many members viewing it as a capitulation. Khaled Meshal, a senior official within Hamas, stated that while the group intends to retain its weapons, they do not plan to use them imminently. He remarked, “As long as there’s an occupation, there’s resistance,” yet acknowledged that it is unlikely Gazans will resort to arms against Israel in the near future.
The proposed plan suggests a phased approach to disarmament, which could unfold over several months or potentially longer. Israeli officials estimate that Hamas still possesses approximately 60,000 AK-47 rifles, and many of the tunnels utilised for military operations remain intact.
Why it Matters
The success of this demilitarisation initiative could redefine the trajectory of peace efforts in Gaza, holding the potential to reshape the region’s power structure. As the international community observes these negotiations closely, the outcomes will have profound implications for both Israeli and Palestinian futures. A failure to disarm could reignite tensions, leading to further violence, while successful implementation may pave the way for a more stable and prosperous Gaza. The stakes are undeniably high, and the decisions made in the coming weeks will resonate far beyond the enclave.
