Hamas Offered Proposal to Disarm in Gaza, US Official Says

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is now shadowed by a formal proposal for the militant group to disarm, a move that could reshape the future of Gaza and the wider region. Mediators have presented Hamas with a framework calling for the complete handover of all weapons to an emerging governing authority, a senior U.S. Official confirmed to NPR. This development comes as the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, signed last October, attempts to halt two years of devastating conflict.

The proposal, delivered in Cairo last week, seeks “complete handover” and “full decommissioning” of arms held by Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza. Acceptance, officials say, would unlock large-scale reconstruction efforts for the territory. However, Hamas’s response remains uncertain, with senior officials offering no immediate comment and one official reportedly denying receipt of the proposal. The group has been asked to respond within a week, following the Muslim Eid holiday.

The Board of Peace and a Stalled Process

The disarmament push is being spearheaded by President Trump’s Board of Peace, established to oversee demilitarization, establish a multinational stabilization force, and facilitate an Israeli military withdrawal. However, the Board’s work has been significantly hampered by the escalating conflict between the U.S. And Iran, which began in February. This broader regional conflict has diverted attention and resources, leaving the proposed governance structures and security forces for Gaza largely unrealized.

Despite the ceasefire, violence continues. Israeli forces have killed hundreds of Palestinians, many of whom Gaza health authorities identify as civilians, in operations targeting Hamas militants. Several Israeli soldiers have also been killed in retaliatory attacks. This ongoing violence underscores the precariousness of the truce and the challenges facing any disarmament effort. For more information on the ongoing conflict, see NBC News’s recent reporting on Hamas’s reassertion in Gaza.

Hamas’s Position and the Shifting Landscape

Experts suggest Hamas is unlikely to rush into a decision. Robert Danin, a former U.S. State Department official specializing in the Middle East, believes Hamas views time as an advantage. “With each passing day, its influence and control on the ground in Gaza strengthens and expands,” Danin explained, “particularly as long as the Board of Peace’s proposed alternative governance structures and forces for Gaza remain stuck outside of the strip.” The longer the current status quo persists, the stronger Hamas believes its negotiating position will become.

The war with Iran further complicates the situation, diverting international focus from pressuring Hamas. Danin questions what leverage the Board of Peace has to persuade Hamas to adopt the plan, given the current geopolitical distractions. This raises concerns about the feasibility of achieving disarmament in the near term.

The History of Conflict and the Ceasefire Agreement

The current situation stems from the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, according to Israeli reports. Israel’s subsequent military response in Gaza has been devastating, with Palestinian health officials reporting over 70,000 fatalities and widespread destruction. The ceasefire agreement, brokered by President Trump, aimed to finish this cycle of violence, but its implementation has been fraught with difficulties.

Over the past six months, despite the truce, Israeli forces have continued to conduct operations in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians, primarily civilians, according to Gaza health authorities. Israel maintains these operations target Hamas militants. The continued violence highlights the deep-seated mistrust and animosity between the two sides, and the challenges of establishing a lasting peace.

Assessing Hamas’s Capabilities

Recent assessments suggest Hamas has been significantly weakened but not entirely destroyed. As reported by NBC News, Israeli security officials estimate Hamas still commands between 15,000 and 25,000 fighters. This estimate is based on regular briefings from Israeli security services. While the group’s military capabilities have been severely damaged, its potential for recruitment remains, fueled by the high number of Palestinian civilian casualties.

Shalom Ben Hanan, a fellow at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism at Israel’s Reichman University, notes that while the immediate threat may be diminished, Hamas’s potential remains. The group has already demonstrated its ability to reassert authority in areas where Israeli forces have withdrawn, clashing with rival clans, attacking Israeli troops, and even carrying out public executions. This demonstrates a continued capacity for violence and control.

What Comes Next: A Complex Path Forward

The coming weeks will be critical. Hamas’s response to the disarmament proposal will determine the next phase of the peace process. If Hamas rejects the proposal, the situation could escalate, potentially leading to a resumption of large-scale conflict. If Hamas accepts, the implementation of the plan will be a complex undertaking, requiring significant international support and cooperation.

The establishment of a multinational stabilization force and the formation of a new Palestinian police force are essential components of the plan, but their deployment has been delayed by the regional conflict. The reconstruction of Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage, will also require substantial financial assistance and logistical support. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) provides crucial aid and support to Palestinian refugees; more information can be found on their website: UNRWA.

the success of the disarmament proposal hinges on the willingness of all parties to compromise and engage in good-faith negotiations. The path to peace remains fraught with challenges, but the formal presentation of this proposal represents a potential step forward in resolving the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The U.S. State Department provides updates on the region’s diplomatic efforts: U.S. Department of State – Middle East.