Israel reaffirmed on Thursday that Hamas “will be disarmed” under the ongoing US-sponsored Gaza peace plan, even as the Palestinian group signaled willingness to consider a temporary weapons freeze. The ceasefire, active since October 10, has reduced large-scale violence; however, both sides continue to accuse each other of violating its terms, which adds further pressure to an already fragile truce.
Meanwhile, senior Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal stated that the group rejects full disarmament but may accept a freeze or storage of weapons to prevent escalations. He explained that this proposal is being discussed with mediators, and he believes the United States may take a pragmatic approach toward the idea. Additionally, Meshaal said the group is open to international stabilisation forces being deployed on Gaza’s border, but not inside the enclave.
Read more : Hamas releases all 20 remaining living hostages as part of Gaza …
Israel, however, maintains that its 20-point plan requires Hamas to lay down its weapons completely as Israeli troops withdraw further in the second phase of the agreement. Officials emphasized that the disarmament of Hamas will occur “the easy way or the hard way”, reinforcing Israel’s stance ahead of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump on December 29. This meeting is expected to focus on the next steps of the truce process.
Read more : Hamas and Israel sign ceasefire, hostage deal
So far, the first phase of the deal has resulted in the release of nearly all 48 hostages held in Gaza, with Israel freeing almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in return. However, Hamas strongly rejects surrendering its arsenal, calling total disarmament unacceptable for a resistance group. Mediators and regional nations are being considered as guarantors to ensure neither side triggers further escalation from inside Gaza.
Furthermore, heavy rains battered Gaza this week, worsening the suffering of displaced families living in fragile tents and damaged shelters. Thousands of residents reported flooded bedding, soaked clothes, and unbearable cold conditions, as nearly 850,000 people remain at high risk due to severe flooding in makeshift camps. Residents pleaded for proper tents, blankets, and basic necessities as they struggle to survive harsh winter weather.