Washington (TDI): A new proposal linked to US President Donald Trump outlines a phased plan to disarm Hamas within eight months, including dismantling its extensive tunnel network in Gaza.
The plan, developed by Trump’s “Board of Peace,” sets out a structured timeline beginning with a US-backed body of Palestinian technocrats taking over security control in Gaza. It would end with a full withdrawal of Israeli forces, contingent on verification that the territory is completely free of weapons, Reuters reported.
Disarmament remains the central hurdle in ongoing negotiations. Hamas has consistently resisted calls to lay down arms, while Israel has made it clear it will not pull out of Gaza unless the group is fully disarmed.
The proposal has faced criticism from Palestinian officials, who describe it as one-sided. Concerns have been raised that it lacks firm guarantees ensuring Israel would meet its commitments, and that tying reconstruction efforts to disarmament could risk reigniting conflict.
The plan was presented to Hamas last week, but the group has yet to issue a formal response. A senior Hamas figure said the proposal is still under review.
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Other factions, including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, have also voiced opposition, arguing that the plan places too much emphasis on disarmament while sidelining urgent issues like rebuilding Gaza and securing a lasting Israeli withdrawal.
The proposal consists of a 12-point framework titled “Steps to complete the implementation of Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza,” alongside a five-stage timeline for weapons surrender.
It envisions a system based on “one authority, one law, one weapon,” meaning only individuals authorised by a newly formed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza would be allowed to carry arms. All other armed groups would be required to halt military activities.
A separate verification body would oversee the disarmament process, while reconstruction would only be permitted in areas declared demilitarised.
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The plan follows an October ceasefire that ended two years of intense fighting. Despite the truce, Israel still controls more than half of Gaza, while Hamas maintains authority in the remaining areas.
Publicly, Hamas continues to reject disarmament. However, reports suggest that privately, some within the group may be open to the idea if it is tied to a broader political process leading to the creation of a Palestinian state.
