Hamas considers phased disarmament amid push to rebuild Gaza

The Palestinian militant group Hamas is considering a proposal to disarm its fighters in Gaza, a step seen as critical to advancing an international plan to rebuild the war-ravaged enclave. The proposal is part of a broader framework backed by Donald Trump , which links Gaza’s reconstruction, governance reforms and security arrangements directly to Hamas surrendering its weapons.

The initiative forms part of a 20-point ceasefire and transition plan aimed at stabilising Gaza after more than two years of war. A ceasefire that took effect on October 10 halted the heaviest fighting and allowed more humanitarian aid into the territory. However, tensions persist. Local health officials say nearly 700 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire , while Israel continues to control more than half of Gaza and says its strikes respond to violations of the truce.

Under the proposal, Hamas would be required to completely dismantle its military infrastructure , including rockets, explosives, weapons factories and its extensive tunnel network. All weapons would be placed permanently beyond use under international monitoring. Gaza’s administration would shift to a technocratic Palestinian committee responsible for running daily governance.

The plan also calls for the deployment of a UN-mandated international peacekeeping force , the creation of a foreign-trained Palestinian police force and a long-term reconstruction programme. Donor countries have signalled they are unlikely to fund rebuilding unless Gaza is demilitarised.

Diplomatic sources say the proposal envisions an eight-month phased disarmament process , beginning with the surrender of the most dangerous weapons such as rockets and explosives, followed later by smaller personal firearms. The process would be tied to staged Israeli troop withdrawals , while reconstruction would begin only in areas verified to be free of weapons.

The negotiations are being mediated by Turkey , Qatar and Egypt , but Hamas’ response has revealed clear disagreements over the proposal.

Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim criticised the plan, accusing mediators of focusing excessively on the weapons issue and linking Gaza’s future solely to disarmament. Hamas officials say the group may accept the proposal “in principle” but with reservations , arguing that it lacks guarantees that Israel will permanently halt attacks and fully withdraw its forces.

The group has also suggested distinguishing between heavy and light weapons and insists any demilitarisation must be tied to Israeli withdrawal and a lasting ceasefire.