Disputes over Hamas disarmament threaten Gaza peace plan progress
Delays in Gaza peace negotiations are occurring due to disputes regarding Hamas's disarmament, prompting threats from Israel to resume full-scale military action.
Negotiations for a peace plan in Gaza have stalled primarily due to disagreements over how and when Hamas should be disarmed. As part of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire that began in January, there were expectations for a stepwise process involving the disarmament of Hamas, withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the establishment of a Palestinian interim administration. However, the details of this 20-point plan remain vague, leading to frustrations among the parties involved.
Israel is advocating for the complete disarmament of Hamas to be the first step in the process, with plans to impose a strict 60-day deadline for this requirement. Israeli officials are preparing to issue an ultimatum to Hamas in the coming days, emphasizing their intent to resolve the situation swiftly. The current state of affairs has raised concerns that if these stipulations are not met promptly, Israel may resume full-scale military operations in Gaza, potentially escalating the ongoing conflict.
This conflict over disarmament underscores larger issues within the peace negotiations and reflects the challenges of implementing the U.S.-backed peace initiative. The involvement of the newly formed Board of Peace, led by Donald Trump, adds another layer of complexity, as stakeholders are divided on how to sequence the various components of the plan. The outcome of this stalemate could significantly impact the stability of the region and the prospects for a sustainable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.