Disarmament Dispute Stalls Gaza Talks as Mediators Seek Compromise

Sources said Hamas and Mladenov have remained in Cairo for two weeks at the request of mediators to pursue consultations. Trump’s plan, later adopted by a UN Security Council resolution, requires dismantling Gaza’s military infrastructure, a clause still blocking progress. Mladenov presented a 15-point roadmap with a gradual timetable for dismantling, offering more flexible proposals to make them acceptable to Palestinians. One suggestion was to hand over military infrastructure to Gaza’s Administrative Committee rather than directly to the International Stabilization Force.

Hamas and other factions agreed in principle to surrender heavy weapons to the Gaza Committee while retaining personal arms under future regulations. However, the Peace Council and supporting parties demanded dismantling weapons workshops and providing tunnel maps for later removal. Hamas rejected this, saying surrendering heavy arms was the maximum concession possible, linking implementation to Israel fulfilling its commitments: halting military operations, withdrawing from expanded areas, opening crossings, and allowing aid. Hamas also insisted the Gaza Committee must enter the territory, assume duties, and oversee dismantling of armed groups allegedly created by Israel.

U.S. and Israeli representatives rejected Hamas’s stance, but mediators — Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar — considered the concession on heavy weapons significant progress. Mladenov agreed to continue dialogue on this basis, while Hamas viewed mediator support as a positive sign. Mediators remain focused on achieving a compromise that addresses all parties’ concerns, hoping Washington will adopt the progress to ensure success. Still, Israeli resistance remains the biggest challenge, with final outcomes hinging on U.S. willingness to pressure Israel into implementing the proposed understandings.