Table of Contents
- A Shocking Shift in Hamas Position
- Why Disarmament Has Always Been a Red Line
- Trump’s Role in the New Diplomatic Push
- What Partial Disarmament Could Look Like
- Key Players in the Talks
- Timeline of the Gaza War
- Sources
A Shocking Shift in Hamas Position
In what could mark a turning point in the two-year Gaza war, Arab mediators believe Hamas is now open to a previously unthinkable compromise: partial disarmament. According to three people familiar with the negotiations—including two officials and a source close to mediators—the militant group may agree to hand over some of its weapons, but only if former President Donald Trump can personally guarantee that Israel will not restart hostilities.
This potential shift comes as indirect talks between Hamas and Israel continue in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner joining the discussions this week.
Why Disarmament Has Always Been a Red Line
For decades, Hamas has treated its armed wing as central to its identity and mission. The group’s charter frames armed resistance against Israel as both a religious and political duty. Until now, any suggestion of giving up weapons was seen as tantamount to surrender.
“Weapons are a core part of Hamas’s DNA,” said Adi Rotem, a retired Israeli intelligence officer who served on Israel’s Gaza war negotiating team until December 2024. “But after two years of relentless bombardment and massive losses, pragmatism may be winning out over ideology.”
Trump’s Role in the New Diplomatic Push
Donald Trump’s recent 20-point peace plan has placed him at the center of renewed diplomatic efforts. His proposal calls for the complete demilitarization of Gaza—including the destruction of tunnels, weapons factories, and all “offensive infrastructure”—to be verified by independent monitors.
Hamas appears willing to entertain parts of this plan, but only if Trump himself acts as a guarantor that Israel won’t exploit a disarmament deal to launch another military campaign. “They don’t trust Netanyahu,” said a Palestinian analyst close to Hamas leadership. “But they see Trump as someone who can deliver a real ceasefire.”
What Partial Disarmament Could Look Like
Full disarmament remains off the table, but sources suggest Hamas might:
- Hand over heavy weapons like rockets and mortars
- Commit to not using arms outside Gaza for several years
- Retain small arms for “self-protection” against rival Palestinian factions
One mediator noted that even a symbolic concession—such as destroying a portion of its arsenal—could give Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enough political cover to declare victory and end the war.
Key Players in the Talks
| Name | Role | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Witkoff | Trump’s Middle East Envoy | U.S. Government (Trump Administration) |
| Jared Kushner | Former Senior Adviser | Trump Administration |
| Ron Dermer | Netanyahu Adviser | Israeli Government |
| Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani | Prime Minister | Qatar |
| Ibrahim Kalin | Intelligence Chief | Turkey |
Timeline of the Gaza War
- Oct. 7, 2023: Hamas-led attack kills ~1,200 Israelis and takes 251 hostages.
- Oct. 2023–2025: Israeli military campaign in Gaza; over 65,000 Palestinians reported killed (Gaza Health Ministry).
- Oct. 2025: Indirect talks resume in Egypt; Hamas signals openness to partial disarmament under Trump guarantee.
While optimism remains cautious, this potential shift could open the door to the first durable ceasefire since the war began.
