Reports of Gaza Deal Progress Clash With Israel’s Demand for Hamas’s Full Disarmament

Negotiations over a possible Gaza agreement are reportedly advancing, with mediators discussing a framework centered on the complete disarmament of Hamas, a new civilian administration for the Gaza Strip, and security arrangements intended to prevent the terror group from rebuilding its military capabilities.

Egypt, Qatar, the United States, and other international actors are involved in the talks. Reports from Cairo describe the negotiations as further along than previous rounds, although no final agreement has been announced and major disagreements remain unresolved.

Disarmament Remains the Central Dispute

The proposed road map reportedly calls for the dismantling of Hamas’s entire military infrastructure, including light and heavy weapons, tunnels, arms depots, and weapons-production facilities.

Under the framework being discussed, Hamas would also be barred from playing any role in Gaza’s future government, either publicly or behind the scenes. Civilian authority would instead be transferred to a Palestinian administrative committee operating under the principle of one authority, one law, and one weapon.

Hamas-linked sources have attempted to present the proposal differently, describing an arrangement in which weapons would be handed over and stored under an agreed mechanism. However, sources familiar with the negotiations rejected that interpretation and said the framework requires full disarmament rather than temporary storage or partial restrictions.

“The direction is positive, but there are no tricks or compromises,” one source familiar with the talks said.

An American official involved in the negotiations reportedly said Hamas is trying to soften the public presentation of the terms to avoid appearing to surrender. The official said the demand for complete disarmament remains clear and unchanged.

Israel Rejects Withdrawal Before Demilitarization

A senior Israeli diplomatic official said Israel continues to demand the removal of all weapons from Gaza and the Strip’s full demilitarization as a condition for any further process.

The official also rejected reports suggesting that a proposed 15-point document adequately addresses Israel’s security demands, saying Jerusalem has conveyed its objections to envoy Tony Blair.

“There will be no Israeli withdrawal from the Yellow Line in the Gaza Strip before Hamas is disarmed and the Strip is fully demilitarized,” the official said.

The official further stated that Gaza was not discussed during the meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump.

Hamas, meanwhile, is demanding a full Israeli withdrawal, an end to targeted killings, and implementation of previous commitments. Israel maintains that any withdrawal must depend on a binding and enforceable security mechanism preventing Hamas from rearming.

Talks Continue as the IDF Remains Prepared

Palestinian reports have suggested that a joint announcement on progress could include a road map of roughly 15 points dealing with weapons, civilian administration, and the continued operation of public institutions in Gaza.

Mediators are reportedly pressing the parties to complete an agreement in the coming days. Despite cautious optimism, no final terms have been approved, and Israeli defense officials remain prepared for the possibility that the negotiations could collapse.

The IDF is maintaining operational readiness and is prepared to resume military action if Hamas rejects full disarmament or attempts to use the negotiations to preserve its terror infrastructure.

Ben Gvir Opposes Any Agreement With Hamas

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir sharply criticized the possibility of negotiations with Hamas, arguing that Israel should not agree to halt operations against terrorists or enter agreements with the terror group, even through mediators.

Ben Gvir said Israel’s policy after the October 7 massacre should focus on destroying Hamas and ensuring that the terror group can never again control Gaza or threaten Israeli communities.

The reported progress may create a path toward ending the fighting, but Israel’s position remains firm: Hamas must surrender its weapons, lose all governing power, and be prevented from rebuilding its terror army.