Hamas disarmament deal offers Israel a rare opportunity – but only if handled correctly

The agreement announced by the United States President represents a potential turning point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but its success hinges on a carefully balanced approach that treats multiple elements as interconnected components rather than separate negotiations running against the clock.

For the deal to work, the disarmament of Hamas’s military wing, Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction of the devastated territory, and regional security guarantees must all advance together as a unified process. This approach differs fundamentally from sequential negotiations, where one party might complete their obligations only to see the other side renege on promises made later.

The sequencing of these elements is crucial. If Israel withdraws before Hamas is verifiably disarmed, it risks leaving militant infrastructure intact. Conversely, if disarmament proceeds without corresponding Israeli withdrawal and reconstruction efforts, it may appear to Palestinians as a one-sided capitulation. Regional powers must also commit to enforceable security arrangements that prevent the rearming of militant groups through smuggling networks.

The window for implementing this agreement is narrow. Both Israeli and Palestinian publics harbour deep mistrust after years of conflict, and any perceived bad faith by either side could collapse the entire arrangement. International oversight and phased verification mechanisms will be essential to building confidence that all parties are meeting their obligations simultaneously.

This represents perhaps the most serious opportunity in recent years to establish a sustainable framework for Gaza’s future, but only if all stakeholders resist the temptation to accelerate their own priorities at the expense of the broader agreement.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.