Gaza Second-Phase Deal: Conflicting Claims on Weapons

Dramatic developments in diplomatic negotiations surrounding the situation in the Gaza Strip suggest that an official announcement regarding the implementation of the second phase could be issued soon.

According to reports by Palestinian sources published on the "Palestine Today" website, the involved parties reached comprehensive understandings on a detailed 15-clause roadmap.

This roadmap directly links the management of military equipment held by various Gaza factions to significant operational steps by Israel.

IDF finds smuggled weapons (photo: IDF Spokesperson Unit)

Disputed Terms on Factional Weaponry

Palestinian reports indicate that under the proposed terms, Israel would commit to a complete withdrawal of IDF forces from the Gaza Strip, a total cessation of targeted eliminations, and the full implementation of first-phase commitments.

Regarding the sensitive issue of armaments, the Palestinian outline does not call for the disarming or surrendering of weapons. Instead, it specifies that heavy weapons belonging to the factions would merely be placed in storage.

A Palestinian source told the Saudi newspaper "A-Sharq Al-Awsat" that an agreement was reached ensuring the preservation of weapons rather than their removal or transfer to Palestinian forces. These understandings were reportedly concluded following intensive consultations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.

Hamas terrorists in Gaza (Photo: In accordance with copyright law 27a)

Israeli Demands for Complete Demilitarization

Contrary to Palestinian claims, a report by Israeli journalist Amit Segal emphasizes that Israel will withdraw from the Gaza Strip only after complete demilitarization and the total removal of weapons from the territory.

Furthermore, an official statement from the Peace Council clarified that discussions are ongoing and progressing under a framework requiring total disarmament. The council stated that the roadmap includes the destruction of all tunnels, weapons depots, and manufacturing facilities, as well as the decommissioning of all light and heavy weaponry without exception. Under this framework, Hamas would hold no governing role in Gaza, leaving full authority to a governing committee operating under the principle of one authority, one law, and one gun.