Hamas moves closer to Gaza disarmament deal, sources say

Harry Archie July 30, 2026

International

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Hamas is moving closer to an agreement that could see it give up its weapons as part of efforts to end the war in Gaza, according to sources involved in talks in Cairo.

A Hamas source said the group is still seeking changes to parts of the proposal before reaching a final agreement.

The issue of Hamas giving up its weapons has been one of the biggest obstacles to a lasting ceasefire with Israel.

Under a 20-point Gaza peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, the next phase of the ceasefire would include Hamas’s disarmament and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The proposal also calls for a temporary technocratic body, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), to take over the territory’s day-to-day administration during the transition.

A diplomatic source involved in the talks said the plan would require all weapons to be handed over, with no exceptions. Heavy and light weapons would come under the control of the NCAG, supported by an International Stabilisation Force, while tunnels, weapons depots and arms production sites would be dismantled.

The Hamas source said the group has proposed changes to the section dealing with weapons. According to the source, there is broad agreement on the definition of heavy weapons, with discussions focusing on storing heavy weapons, disbanding armed groups and ensuring Israel withdraws from Gaza at the same time.

However, an Israeli political source said the proposal does not fully meet Israel’s demands.

The source said Israel insists on the complete disarmament of Hamas and the full demilitarisation of Gaza before it will consider withdrawing its forces.

The Israeli source also said the issue of Gaza was not discussed during this week’s meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump in Washington.

Despite the ceasefire, fighting has continued. Gaza health officials said Israeli airstrikes on Thursday killed at least four people, including two children.