Negotiators Present Hamas With Gradual Disarmament Plan

A ceasefire proposal presented to Hamas in Cairo includes a plan for the gradual handover of weapons over several months, according to two Arab diplomats familiar with the discussions.

Under the framework, Hamas would be required to transfer heavy weapons, including rockets and launchers, within 90 days. The proposal also calls for the group to provide detailed maps of its tunnel network during that period.

The plan envisions a broader, longer-term process for collecting lighter weapons, potentially supported by a buyback program offering financial incentives and employment to fighters who disarm.

Hamas negotiators have indicated a willingness to relinquish heavy weaponry but have insisted on retaining small arms, arguing they are needed for self-defense, one diplomat said.

The proposal suggests that weapons would ultimately be transferred to a new Palestinian police force expected to operate under a future governing body in Gaza. Recruitment for that force is already underway, with former Hamas-affiliated civil servants eligible to apply, subject to Israeli vetting.

Implementation would take place in stages, beginning in southern Gaza. As areas are cleared of weapons, Israeli forces would be gradually replaced by a combination of local police and an international stabilization force.

The framework also includes provisions for Israel to ease restrictions on humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials as disarmament progresses.

The phased approach represents a shift from Israel’s previous position, which had called for immediate and complete disarmament. However, diplomats said mediators from the United States, Qatar, Turkey and Egypt viewed a gradual process as more realistic.

According to one source, Israel was aware of the proposal and did not object when it was presented, assessing that Hamas would likely reject it.

Mediators expect Hamas to respond in the coming days, possibly with a counterproposal that could extend negotiations further.

The plan was presented during talks led by international and regional mediators, including officials involved in postwar planning for Gaza.

Efforts to advance the proposal come as Hamas has recently increased its visible presence inside Gaza, according to local accounts, including greater involvement in internal governance and distribution of goods.

Diplomats said the success of the framework depends on Hamas agreeing to full disarmament, a condition that remains a major obstacle in ongoing negotiations.