Hamas Agreed to Disarm. Why Did Israel Reject the Deal?
Experts say political uncertainty makes the Trump-backed plan untenable, for now.
For months, Hamas's disarmament has been the biggest obstacle in the stalled Gaza peace process. U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan hinges on Hamas laying down its weapons, and Gaza has remained in a tense state since a cease-fire began last October due to the lack of progress. Last week, it seemed like a breakthrough as Hamas agreed to a U.S.-backed framework to give up its arms.
Trump praised the agreement on social media, calling it "HISTORIC" and a "monumental step toward lasting PEACE and SECURITY." The next day, he reportedly told Israel it was "very happy" with the deal.
However, Israel has vehemently opposed the disarmament roadmap, citing "serious security concerns." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel "did not agree" with the framework and would not withdraw from its "current lines until Hamas is completely disarmed." Since the plan's announcement, Israel has carried out airstrikes in Gaza, angering peace mediators.
Experts predict that Israel's stance on the disarmament plan is unlikely to change until after the upcoming Israeli elections in October, which could see Netanyahu lose power.
The deal is also problematic for Israel due to the potential involvement of Qatar and Turkey in the verification mechanism. From Israel's viewpoint, both nations are seen as adversaries, with Turkey being referred to as the "new Iran." Even if Netanyahu loses the elections, experts doubt that a new government would reverse its position on Gaza.
Israel currently controls more than 60% of the coastal enclave, and Netanyahu has directed Israeli forces to expand their control to 70% in recent weeks. The disarmament framework calls for a 14-day window to negotiate a timeline and ties the process to a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. However, due to Israel's refusal to relinquish control and the NCAG's (National Committee for the Administration of Gaza) inability to enter Gaza, the disarmament agreement appears to be unfeasible.
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