Mediators Weigh Alternatives as Gaza Disarmament Talks Stall

Mediators are due to resume disarmament talks with Hamas in Egypt on Thursday as they consider alternatives to US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip, according to two Arab diplomats involved in the process.

The talks have so far stalled mainly over Hamas’s refusal to accept the Peace Council’s disarmament proposal. The movement says Israel must first meet the terms of the first phase of the agreement. Both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire.

One option under consideration is to begin reconstruction in parts of Gaza that remain under Israeli control. Those areas were originally meant to account for about 53% of the territory, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week ordered Israeli control to be expanded to 70%. Reuters and AP have also reported the 70% figure.

The proposal is intended to encourage Palestinians to leave Hamas-controlled areas by offering them temporary housing. However, it remains unclear whether Gazans would be willing to live under Israeli occupation or whether Hamas would resist such a move.

The selection of a new Hamas leader is also complicating the negotiations. The movement says no final decision on disarmament can be taken before its internal elections are completed.

(timesofisrael, bak)