Hamas Agrees to Disarmament Deal in Exchange for Israeli Withdrawal

Hamas has announced its agreement to a ceasefire deal that includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. This development is seen as a significant step towards ending the nine-month conflict, though challenges remain regarding the specifics of implementation and mutual concessions. Hamas is prepared to accept a roadmap agreement with the condition that Israel ends hostilities and withdraws its forces from Palestinian territories, according to a Hamas official. While this agreement holds the potential to conclude the protracted conflict in the Gaza Strip, it is also suggested that actual implementation will face considerable difficulties and may take a prolonged period. Israel has not yet commented on this agreement. Nine months have passed since the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. This ceasefire agreement includes proposals for Hamas to disarm and dismantle its underground facilities, for the Israeli army to withdraw from the Gaza Strip, for the establishment of a technocratic government in Palestine, for the deployment of an 'international security force' responsible for maintaining stability, and for the reconstruction of Palestinian territories devastated by the war. However, negotiations between Israel and Hamas for the next phase of ceasefire implementation appear to be at a standstill. The demand for Hamas to disarm is the most critical point of contention. For Hamas, disarmament is an extremely difficult issue, as the core principle of its founding movement is to fight against Israel. Hamas's arsenal, comprising rockets, anti-tank missiles, and numerous explosives, is a crucial element of their identity. According to sources, a phased agreement is envisioned whereby Israel will begin withdrawing its forces from Palestinian territories once Hamas completes its disarmament. The international security force will cooperate with the Palestinian police to oversee security in the Gaza Strip. However, an anonymous Israeli government official stated, "The Israeli army will not withdraw from any location unless Hamas disarms and dismantles its military structure first." Sources familiar with the matter indicate that Israel is fully engaged in implementing the agreement, but it is not a signatory party to this accord. This agreement was made solely between Hamas and several countries that have facilitated the negotiations and assisted in monitoring the ceasefire. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer