Hamas on edge? US pushes group to disarm for long-term Gaza ceasefire with Israel

A new US-backed proposal has reportedly been presented to Hamas, asking the group to give up its weapons as part of efforts to secure a long-term ceasefire in Gaza.

“A new US-backed proposal has reportedly been presented to Hamas, asking the group to give up its weapons as part of efforts to secure a long-term ceasefire in Gaza”

The Times of India

According to New York Times, the plan has been put forward by Board of Peace, created under US President Donald Trump in January this year, billed as a body for resolving international conflicts.

The Times of India

The proposal reports that Hamas and other armed groups gradually hand over their weapons, while Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza.

The Board of Peace, overseeing the ceasefire, recently held talks with Hamas leaders in Cairo.

The Times of India

Its Gaza representative, Nickolay Mladenov, discussed the details with the group last week.

Disarmament has remained a key issue since Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in October.

“A new US-backed proposal has reportedly been presented to Hamas, asking the group to give up its weapons as part of efforts to secure a long-term ceasefire in Gaza”

The Times of India

The United States and Israel have linked the rebuilding of Gaza to Hamas giving up its arms.

However, the group’s ideology is based on armed resistance to Israel, and giving up weapons is seen by many members as surrender.

Officials reportedly expect Hamas to respond to the US promoposal after Eid al-Fitr.

The Times of India

Hamas, till now, has not indicated any willingness to fully disarm.

During discussions with Arab mediators, the group’s officials said their members need personal weapons to protect themselves from potential attacks by other Palestinians in Gaza.