Overview
- Recent reports say Israel has asked that the disarmament process start on the anniversary of the 2023 attack and that Israeli forces will only begin withdrawing after Hamas weapons are fully surrendered.
- The Board of Peace has told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel will not be required to pull forces out of Gaza until disarmament is verified under the agreement’s second phase.
- Board envoy Nikolay Mladenov has linked the political future of Hamas leaders to surrendering arms, saying meaningful talks cannot proceed while weapons remain widespread in Gaza.
- U.S. envoy Jared Kushner held talks in Egypt and Israel to push implementation and an American military officer is expected to oversee the weapons handover and verification process.
- Implementation faces political and practical hurdles including Israeli public opposition to withdrawal, unclear verification rules, questions over who will vet new Palestinian security forces, and immediate humanitarian effects for Gaza residents who depend on the pace of troop movements and aid deliveries.