US Deal with Hamas trades ‘disarmament’ for political recognition, lets terror leaders off the hook

The proposal draws a distinction between categories of weaponry, separating heavy and offensive arms from light personal and defensive weapons.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

A draft framework under discussion between the United States and Hamas would center on the group’s disarmament while allowing it to retain a role as a political actor, according to details reported Thursday by i24NEWS and first cited by Sky News Arabia.

The proposal draws a distinction between categories of weaponry, separating heavy and offensive arms from light personal and defensive weapons, with definitions to be set out by Hamas itself. Rather than being labeled a surrender, the document would be titled the “Understanding Agreement on the Issue of Weapons.”

As part of the arrangement, Hamas would reportedly declare that “at Israel’s request, it no longer poses a threat.” In exchange for being recognized as a political body, the organization would agree to relinquish its weapons and provide maps of tunnels across the Gaza Strip.

Sources cited in the reports said the halt in weapons use would open the door for certain members of Hamas’ military and political leadership to depart Gaza, with American assurances that Israel would not harm them in the future. The same assurances would apply to leaders already outside the territory.

The plan also includes a role for some former Hamas police officers and officials in the administration of what has been referred to as “New Gaza.”

Their participation would depend on passing Israeli and American security screenings, according to the sources.

US officials have reportedly informed mediators that Israel has expressed serious reservations about key elements of the proposal, particularly the clause that would allow Hamas to continue operating as a political party within the Palestinian arena.

If finalized, the arrangement would mark a significant diplomatic shift following the Gaza war, linking Hamas’ disarmament to a restructured governance framework while attempting to address both US and Israeli security concerns over the group’s military capabilities.

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