Israel Demands Full Hamas Disarmament Before Ceasefire Extension

The two-week ceasefire announced for Gaza faces significant challenges over implementation mechanisms for the next phase of de-escalation—specifically, the commencement of Hamas’s disarmament process.

Disarmament as a ceasefire condition

According to Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post, citing informed sources, the current Gaza ceasefire—initially set for two weeks—is intended to allow time to finalize arrangements for the subsequent stage, including the initiation of Hamas’s disarmament as a precursor to launching a peace agreement process.

Divergent interpretations between Hamas and Israel regarding what has been agreed upon could complicate implementation, particularly on the issue of disarmament.

Hamas reportedly distributing firearms during truce

Israeli public broadcaster sources reported that Hamas is distributing rifles to its members in an effort to circumvent disarmament requirements.

Sources indicated that Hamas’s failure to begin implementing disarmament steps during the ceasefire period would constitute a violation of the ceasefire—and could lead to its termination.

A diplomatic source told The Jerusalem Post that the Israeli military will not withdraw from its current positions along what is known as the “yellow line” inside the Gaza Strip until Hamas’s weapons are fully removed.

U.S. peace plan framework and oversight structure

This position follows the announcement of a working framework issued by the “Peace Council” for implementing the peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Sources said the framework includes placing all Hamas weapons in storage facilities ahead of their dismantling.

Under the same framework, weapons storage facilities would be managed by personnel from the National Police Authority for Gaza Administration. Each individual officer would undergo security vetting by Israel’s internal security agency, the Shin Bet. A multinational force would be tasked with supervising the entire process.

Meanwhile, Gaza residents may still obtain permits to possess pistols under Palestinian law, according to the same sources.

Hamas rejects disarmament without Israeli withdrawal

Sources confirmed that Israel will halt hostilities only after disarmament begins—and that the current two-week ceasefire is designed to give parties time to finalize operational details related to that process.

In contrast, Hamas stated in a statement issued on Friday that it rejects disarmament prior to the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

The movement declared it will not relinquish its arms without full Israeli withdrawal, plus the “dismantling of armed gangs and militias formed by the occupation,” as phrased in its statement.

Hamas also emphasized the necessity of clear guarantees concerning Palestinians’ right to establish an independent state in Gaza, asserting that any future arrangements must include formal recognition of that right.