Armed Hamas member (AP file photo)
A new US-backed proposal has reportedly been presented to Hamas, asking the group to give up its weapons as part of efforts to secure a long-term ceasefire in Gaza.According to New York Times, the plan has been put forward by Board of Peace, created under US President Donald Trump in January this year, billed as a body for resolving international conflicts. The proposal reports that Hamas and other armed groups gradually hand over their weapons, while Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza.
The Board of Peace, overseeing the ceasefire, recently held talks with Hamas leaders in Cairo. Its Gaza representative, Nickolay Mladenov, discussed the details with the group last week.Disarmament has remained a key issue since Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in October.
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The United States and Israel have linked the rebuilding of Gaza to Hamas giving up its arms.However, the group’s ideology is based on armed resistance to Israel, and giving up weapons is seen by many members as surrender. Officials reportedly expect Hamas to respond to the US promoposal after Eid al-Fitr.Hamas, till now, has not indicated any willingness to fully disarm. During discussions with Arab mediators, the group’s officials said their members need personal weapons to protect themselves from potential attacks by other Palestinians in Gaza.
