The Peace Council established by former US President Donald Trump has revealed a plan that requires Hamas to agree to disarm and destroy the tunnel network beneath the Gaza Strip. This plan, reported by Reuters, emerges at a time when the Palestinian issue is losing prominence due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
The plan outlines a timeline extending over eight months, beginning with the National Committee for Gaza Management, a Palestinian technocratic committee supported by the United States, taking responsibility for security in the region, and concluding with the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces upon final verification that Gaza is free of weapons.
Details of the Plan
According to the agency, the Peace Council presented the plan to Hamas last week, but the movement has yet to issue a public comment. The plan consists of a document containing 12 points titled "Steps to Complete the Implementation of Trump's Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza," along with "Key Stages of the Timeline," which includes five phases during which Hamas will surrender its weapons over the course of eight months.
The document indicates that all armed factions in Gaza, including Islamic Jihad, will participate in the disarmament process overseen by the National Committee for Gaza Management. It also stipulates the principle of one authority and one weapon, allowing only individuals authorized by the committee to possess arms, while all armed activities will be halted.
Context and Background
This plan comes at a sensitive time, as Gaza suffers from the effects of the ongoing war, complicating the humanitarian and political situation. The plan does not explicitly address the establishment of a Palestinian state or achieving independence, which has drawn criticism from some Palestinian factions that believe the plan prioritizes disarmament at the expense of reconstruction and Israeli withdrawal.
At the same time, this plan reflects the ongoing international pressures on Hamas and highlights the significant challenges the movement faces under current circumstances. The absence of any reference to Palestinian independence raises questions about the future of the Palestinian cause amid these developments.
Implications and Effects
The plan includes specific stages for disarmament, with the first phase commencing within 15 days, during which the National Committee for Gaza Management will assume full security and administrative authority. In the second phase, which spans from day 16 to day 40, Israel will dismantle heavy weapons from areas under its control, alongside deploying an international security force.
The third phase, lasting from day 30 to 90, will see Hamas surrender all its heavy weapons and military equipment, allowing for the destruction of tunnels. In the fourth phase, from day 91 to 250, a security committee will be formed to register and collect light weapons, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces will begin in stages.
The fifth phase will be the final verification of Gaza's disarmament, witnessing the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces except for a security perimeter, and the commencement of comprehensive reconstruction operations.
Impact on the Arab Region
This plan is considered a significant step in the context of international efforts to reshape the situation in Gaza and could greatly affect Palestinian-Israeli relations. Implementing this plan may contribute to improving humanitarian conditions in Gaza, but it may also provoke opposition from Palestinian factions that view disarmament as a threat to their interests.
Ultimately, this plan remains a subject of extensive debate, with opinions varying on its feasibility and impact on the future of the Palestinian cause. As the conflict continues, hope remains pinned on achieving peace and stability in the region.