New phase in Gaza peace deal: Hamas agrees to lay down arms, Israel remains skeptical of the plan

Hamas has announced that it has accepted a phased disarmament plan that provides for laying down arms in the Gaza Strip. The decision, which was described by US President Donald Trump as a "historic step toward lasting peace and security," is supported by a national consensus reached among Palestinian groups. However, the Israeli side remains highly skeptical of this commitment from Hamas and emphasizes that it will not withdraw its troops from Gaza until disarmament has actually taken place.

WHAT DOES THE DISARMAMENT PLAN INCLUDE?

According to the 15-point roadmap and supplementary documents prepared by the US-led Peace Council, an inventory will be taken of Hamas's heavy weapons, military production facilities, weapons depots, and tunnels. This equipment will be stored in secure areas. The process will be overseen by the Palestinian National Committee, consisting of independent technocrats, and an International Stabilization Force to be deployed to the region.

A phased calendar is expected to be established within 14 days for the implementation of the plan. Hamas underscores that the step of laying down arms is contingent upon Israel completely halting its attacks and withdrawing its troops from Gaza. Furthermore, it is planned that any remaining personal weapons will be transferred to the newly established Palestinian police force.

ISRAEL'S DOUBTS AND THE 'YELLOW LINE' CRISIS

The Israeli government is approaching Hamas's intention to transfer control with caution. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the plan as "unacceptable" from Israel's perspective. Israeli officials state that there will be no withdrawal from the "Yellow Line," which defines the border of the area controlled by Israel, until full disarmament is achieved.

In the current situation, Israel is keeping more than 60 percent of the Gaza Strip under its control by extending the Yellow Line westward. The agreement text, however, states that Israeli forces must withdraw to the agreed-upon borders within 24 hours after the plan is approved.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES AND THE NEW ADMINISTRATION

Earlier this month, Hamas announced that it was preparing to dissolve its government in Gaza and transfer administration to the National Committee. Another issue that has come to the fore in the negotiations is the status of tens of thousands of public employees who were employed before the war. The plan guarantees the protection of the rights of this personnel, which consists of police, health, and education workers, and ensures they receive fair treatment.

HUMANITARIAN CRISIS DEEPENS IN GAZA

Despite these developments in the political arena, daily life for more than two million Palestinians living in Gaza continues under extremely difficult conditions. Years of failed ceasefire attempts have created deep distrust among the public toward new agreements.

Israel's continued construction of land barriers and expansion of its control area are causing civilians to be squeezed into an increasingly narrow space. According to United Nations data, approximately 60 million tons of debris have accumulated in the region since October 2023. The Gaza Ministry of Health reports that more than a thousand Palestinians have lost their lives in Israeli attacks since the last ceasefire went into effect.