Jerusalem, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested that the United States oversee the surrender of Hamas’s weapons during talks with US envoy Jared Kushner. Consequently, Netanyahu informed the American delegation that Israel will not withdraw its military forces from the Gaza Strip until the group is fully disarmed, according to coverage by Swissinfo. Furthermore, these discussions occur as Washington works to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire and transition roadmap.
Disarmament Conditions and Supervisory Mechanisms
Israeli officials emphasized that full disarmament remains a non-negotiable prerequisite prior to any military pullback from Gaza. Additionally, deliberations between Kushner and Israeli leadership focused on establishing verifiable mechanisms to collect and decommission weapons under the direct supervision of a US officer, as reported by India Today.
This meeting followed Kushner’s talks with Hamas leadership and regional mediators in Egypt regarding the implementation framework, as detailed by Livemint. Consequently, US negotiators are striving to finalize security protocols governing heavy weaponry and subterranean tunnel infrastructure.
Governance Arrangements and Negotiations Standoff
The US roadmap proposes transferring civil administration in Gaza to a Palestinian technocratic committee alongside the deployment of an international stabilization force. Additionally, while Hamas expressed willingness to relinquish administrative duties, Washington continues working to bridge the gap regarding withdrawal timelines and security guarantees.
Finally, contrasting demands over disarmament sequences and troop withdrawals pose a critical test for the peace roadmap. Ultimately, American diplomats remain engaged with regional stakeholders to prevent a breakdown in negotiations and ensure phase two implementation proceeds.
