Gaza Withdrawal Tied to Hamas Disarmament
The US-backed Board of Peace has said Israeli forces will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups complete a verified disarmament process under the proposed peace framework.
Gaza Withdrawal Linked to Disarmament
The Board said Israeli withdrawal would occur only after weapons were decommissioned and Gaza’s military infrastructure, including Hamas’s tunnel network, was dismantled. International monitors would verify compliance before Israeli forces completed their pullback.
The position follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump that negotiators had reached an agreement on the complete disarmament of Hamas. However, Israel has not formally accepted the reported deal, while differences remain over the order and timing of implementation.
Israel currently controls an estimated 60% to 70% of Gaza, including territory beyond the boundary established under the October 2025 ceasefire.
Hamas Demands Simultaneous Israeli Withdrawal
Hamas has indicated that it could relinquish its weapons under a negotiated political settlement but wants disarmament to proceed alongside an Israeli withdrawal. It has also demanded an end to Israeli strikes and guarantees concerning Palestinian statehood.
The group argues that Israel has failed to implement existing ceasefire obligations, including troop pullbacks and humanitarian-access commitments. Israel maintains that withdrawal cannot proceed while Hamas retains weapons and operational tunnels.
Gaza Peace Plan Faces Obstacles
The proposed roadmap includes transferring Gaza’s administration to a Palestinian technocratic body supported by trained local police and an International Stabilisation Force. Hamas has already dissolved its governing committee in preparation for a civilian administrative transition.
Board of Peace representative Nickolay Mladenov has urged Israel to halt strikes to protect the negotiations. Mediators Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye have also called for adherence to the ceasefire.
Implementation remains uncertain because Hamas favours reciprocal steps, while Israel and the Board are demanding verified disarmament before a complete withdrawal. Continued Israeli attacks and disagreements over security guarantees have further complicated the process.
