Palestinian Authority balks at Hamas demands for place in Gaza police force, role in PA elections

Hamas lays out conditions for disarming, including right to retain weapons for a smaller armed force, inclusion in Palestinian Authority elections, and the integration of hundreds of terrorists in Gaza police force.

By World Israel News Staff

Hamas has outlined a string of tough conditions for handing over its weapons in Gaza, according to diplomatic sources, complicating international efforts to implement the ceasefire and stabilize the region.

The terms laid out by the Gaza terror group have even been rejected by the Palestinian Authority, a report by Israel Hayom claimed.

According to the report, Hamas is demanding it be allowed to place hundreds of its terrorists in the new Gaza police force, set to operate under the Palestinian technocratic committee.

The police force, which includes thousands of Palestinian Authority officers trained by Egyptian forces, is reportedly set to be tasked with overseeing the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and the disarming of Hamas. The inclusion of Hamas members on the force could complicate its role in disarming the terror group.

In addition, Hamas is demanding official roles for its leadership in Gaza’s incoming administration and recognition from the Palestinian Authority as a political faction with the right to run in PA elections.

Hamas has also insisted that Israel guarantee Hamas leaders safe passage out of the Gaza Strip and protection from strikes inside Gaza.

In a further twist, the group is insisting that some of its terrorists retain weapons indefinitely to safeguard senior leadership in the Gaza Strip.

The demands have not yet been formally presented to the US, but instead have merely been floated informally to test responses from mediators.

An Arab source involved in the talks said that even the Palestinian Authority has balked at the demands, signaling the challenges in reaching an agreement for the implementation of phase two of the Gaza peace plan.

Intelligence estimates suggest that Hamas and other Gaza terror groups still possess tens of thousands of small arms and heavier systems, including anti-tank rockets and short- to medium-range missiles.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump warned that Hamas will be “blown away very quickly” if it fails to disarm.

Trump hinted that Hamas will be given a clear ultimatum in the near future.

“That’s what they’ve agreed to, they’re going to do it,” Trump said. “And we’re going to know over the next two-three days, certainly the next three weeks, whether or not they’re going to do it.”