Hamas considers a disarmament plan that could set in motion Gaza's reconstruction

Key Points:

• Hamas is considering a new proposal to disarm its fighters in Gaza, a key step required for U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to rebuild the war-torn territory, though the group remains reluctant due to its founding charter advocating armed resistance against Israel.
• The ceasefire agreed on October 10 halted major fighting and increased humanitarian aid but has not yet led to implementation of longer-term plans such as deploying a U.N. peacekeeping force, Palestinian police, or Israeli troop withdrawals, all contingent on Hamas disarmament.
• The U.S.-backed proposal, supported by mediator countries Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt, calls for complete decommissioning of Hamas’ weapons starting with heavy arms, with security to be controlled by a new Palestinian technocratic committee and staged Israeli withdrawals.
• Hamas’ response has been mixed, with some acceptance in principle but reservations about guarantees against Israeli attacks and accusations that mediators are biased towards Israel; the timing and details of their reply remain uncertain.
• Continued delays in disarmament and reconstruction risk prolonging Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, where around 90% of the population remains displaced and dependent on aid after Israel’s two-year offensive following Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel.