Media: Hamas shows “flexibility” on disarmament ahead of potential ceasefire

Hamas officials have demonstrated “flexibility” regarding disarmament, a key condition set by Israel for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, according to a report by Saudi outlet Asharq News. Israel is currently awaiting a response from the Palestinian group on a ceasefire and hostage deal proposal.

Citing unnamed Hamas officials familiar with the matter, Asharq News reports that Hamas may agree, through mediators Qatar and Egypt, to halt weapons smuggling, close weapons manufacturing operations within Gaza, and store their existing weapons supplies in a location free of Hamas presence, Caliber.Az reporgts via foreign media. 

The officials also indicated that Hamas could temporarily exile a symbolic number of its leaders who reside in Gaza, as a compromise to Israel’s demand for the deportation of Hamas leaders from the enclave.

Despite potential progress on these terms, sources told Asharq that significant challenges remain regarding the future governance of Gaza. Israel has stated that Hamas should have no role in running the Palestinian enclave, but mediators believe a transitional phase will be necessary.

One Hamas source told Asharq, “The movement is the only entity capable of understanding the dynamics of Gazan society and maintaining security there,” adding that this is especially true “after two years of war, during which societal collapses occurred as a result of killing, destruction, starvation and displacement.”

On July 2, the United States announced that Israel had accepted terms for a 60-day ceasefire, which would also include the release of several hostages held in Gaza. Israeli officials report that 50 people remain kidnapped in Gaza, with at least 20 believed to be alive.

When asked on July 4 if Hamas had agreed to the latest ceasefire framework, Trump said "We'll see what happens, we are going to know over the next 24 hours."

A source close to Hamas said on July 3 that the group sought guarantees that the US-backed ceasefire proposal would lead to the end of Israel's war in Gaza.

Meanwhile, two Israeli officials indicated that details of the agreement were still being finalised. According to Gaza authorities, dozens of Palestinians were killed on July 3 in Israeli strikes.

By Sabina Mammadli