Key facts
- The US and Israel have established working groups to address the disarmament of Hamas in Gaza.
- Israel's definition of disarmament appears to be broader than Hamas' interpretation.
- Hamas' understanding of disarmament involves storing heavy weapons, while Israel and the Board of Peace envision decommissioning all weapons and tunnels.
- The Board of Peace roadmap suggests Hamas disarm and relinquish control to a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated Israel will not withdraw until Hamas is genuinely disarmed.
The United States and Israel have initiated working groups to address the disarmament of Hamas in Gaza, though significant differences in interpretation persist between the parties. Jared Kushner's involvement in discussions, including a meeting with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Cairo and subsequent talks in Jerusalem, highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
A statement from the Board of Peace indicated that Israeli forces would not redeploy from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed and the territory is demilitarized, encompassing all weapons and tunnels. This stance aligns with Israel's broader definition of disarmament.
Conversely, Hamas officials have presented a narrower interpretation, suggesting the storage of heavy weapons under the oversight of a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, as outlined in the Board of Peace's roadmap. Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya reportedly met with Kushner, and Hamas officials have expressed concerns that the Board of Peace's definition of disarmament is absolute and potentially unachievable.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair and Board of Peace envoy Nickolay Mladenov were also present at a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu has previously stated that Israel will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is genuinely disarmed, underscoring the gap between the parties' positions.