Gaza, Palestine – A senior official in the Gaza Peace Council revealed that Hamas has agreed to begin a gradual disarmament process starting next March. He explained that the move is part of a comprehensive plan to ensure stability in the Gaza Strip. The official told Yediot Ahronot that relevant parties are currently finalizing the technical details for dismantling the movement’s military arsenal. He emphasized that the process is part of an ongoing effort. Furthermore, he stated that its completion will provide the necessary legitimacy and strength for the deployment of the planned international forces in the Strip.
The official indicated that the process of disarming Gaza would be carried out in stages. It would begin with the tunnels, followed by weapons manufacturing facilities, then RPGs and mortars, and finally light weapons. He affirmed that the ceasefire agreement in Gaza remained in effect despite some disputes and technical obstacles. He added, “The situation is not as hopeless as some imagine; everything we set as a goal has been achieved as planned.” He denied any Israeli stalling in implementing the second phase of the agreement.
The official noted some achievements thus far, including the release of hostages and the reopening of the Rafah crossing, as well as the formation of a technical committee to administer Gaza with the agreement of all parties. He also stated that the Council was focusing on the core issues, setting aside the surrounding noise. Regarding light weapons, he indicated that the United States was considering allowing Hamas to retain them temporarily, as the movement refuses to relinquish them all at once. Hamas is demanding that their disarmament be postponed until a unified security force is established in Gaza, comprising a single government and a single armed force, to guarantee security and stability.
