Israel and Hamas Approaching Agreement on Gaza Strip Demilitarization
As first reported on C14, significant progress has been made in negotiations regarding the next phase in the Gaza Strip. Sources in Israel and Gaza report a convergence toward agreements, with Hamas conditioning progress on a full IDF withdrawal and an end to targeted killings.
As first reported on C14, significant progress has been made in negotiations regarding the next phase in the Gaza Strip. Sources familiar with the details in Israel and on the Gazan side report a convergence toward agreements, and according to Arab reports, an official statement on the matter may be published as early as today. In Gaza, the condition for progress remains a full IDF withdrawal from the Strip and an end to targeted killings.
According to a Gazan source familiar with the contacts, understandings have been reached regarding the issue of weapons, including a framework for the handover and storage of munitions under an agreed-upon mechanism. The formula is reportedly acceptable to Hamas and the mediating international parties, and parallel understandings have been reached regarding the management of civil systems in the Strip.
The source estimated that the Israeli government will examine the framework in accordance with its demand for the full disarmament of Hamas. According to him, if the USA supports the proposal, it may remain on the table even under a different government in Israel.
According to the sources of our political commentator Yaakov Bardugo, one of the possibilities being examined is that Hamas will begin the handover of weapons and the disclosure of tunnel locations within approximately two weeks. As part of the roadmap, the terrorist organization is expected to first cease military activity, after which the technical mechanisms for full demilitarization will be determined.
At the same time, Israeli sources familiar with the details stated that "the direction looks positive," and claimed that Hamas agrees to a framework that includes full disarmament of heavy and light weapons, the handover of tunnel locations, and the activation of strict oversight mechanisms. According to them, if signed, the agreement will be "strict and detailed, with no tricks and no compromises."
However, the contacts are still at a sensitive stage, and there is currently no signed agreement or certainty that the discussed schedules will be realized. Significant questions remain regarding the method of implementation and the ability to ensure that Hamas fulfills its commitments.
