The U.S. is reportedly set to allow Hamas to retain some of its weapons as part of a plan to rehabilitate the Gaza Strip, according to a report by The New York Times.
According to a report by The New York Times, the United States is preparing to allow Hamas to keep some of its weapons as it rolls out a plan to rehabilitate the Gaza Strip. This information, attributed to unnamed senior sources, suggests that while Washington will require Hamas to surrender the majority of its weapons, it may permit them to retain light arms in the initial phases of the program. This potential compromise highlights a nuanced approach in U.S. policy aimed at balancing security and humanitarian needs in the region.
The team developing the rehabilitation plan includes significant figures such as Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Nikolai Mladenov, who is expected to lead the 'Peace Council' in Gaza. They are reportedly set to present a draft of the program to Hamas in the coming weeks. This initiative comes amidst ongoing tensions in Gaza and represents a strategic move by the U.S. to engage with Hamas while trying to foster stability and reconstruction efforts in the region.
Responses from Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have not yet been disclosed regarding this report, raising questions about the likelihood of compliance and the broader implications for regional peace efforts. The move could be seen as a double-edged sword, potentially providing Hamas with a foothold in terms of military capability while also addressing humanitarian issues in Gaza that have escalated following years of conflict.
