Israel presents Kushner with detailed plan to disarm Hamas in Gaza

The United States has presented Israel with a comprehensive strategy to disarm Hamas in Gaza, which includes demands for the group's leadership to exile and the creation of a buffer zone. According to sources, Israel detailed the plan during talks with US envoy Jared Kushner. The Israeli proposal called for a gradual process beginning in designated areas, with Israel overseeing and participating in every stage of execution.

Al Arabiya cited sources claiming Israel insisted on the removal of mid-level Hamas military leaders from Gaza and the establishment of a substantial buffer zone within the territory, emphasizing the Israeli government's refusal to negotiate the buffer zone's size. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem confirmed on Tuesday that the group remains committed to the US-backed peace plan, but mentioned that Israel has not yet granted mediators a clear endorsement of the roadmap.

Following discussions between Kushner and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Kushner expressed optimism for progress within approximately 30 days. This includes the initial withdrawal of some Hamas weapons under the supervision of a US officer, followed by tunnel demolition operations over the subsequent 60-90 days. Kushner claimed rapid progress is feasible but hinges on cooperation from both parties.

Additionally, Kushner disclosed having comprehensive meetings with Netanyahu and his team, describing them as very productive, as well as talks with Hamas officials in Egypt. He acknowledged the challenge of trusting Hamas but described the group's representatives as cordial during their meeting. An Israeli official told AFP that Kushner and Netanyahu consented to no redeployment or reconstruction in Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed, with the first step being Hamas surrendering its weapons under US supervision, paving the way for their removal.

A representative from Kushner's accompanying Peace Council did not confirm the official appointment of a US officer but stated any seized weapons would be fully dismantled to prevent reuse, with Israel maintaining its right to self-defense. Notably, the Palestinian group agreed to a US roadmap in late July aimed at disarming Hamas and conducting a gradual Israeli withdrawal from the territory, which Israel controls over 60% of.

Netanyahu has long insisted on the complete disarmament of Hamas. These developments come amid intensified US-Israeli communication over implementing the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, with Hamas disarmament remaining a contentious issue among the parties.