Hamas agrees to hand over weapons under US-backed ceasefire plan

Hamas announced on Friday that it had agreed to hand over its weapons to a Palestinian governing committee as part of a U.S.-backed roadmap that envisions a gradual Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. The plan, which has been discussed by Washington and regional stakeholders, would see Israeli forces step back in stages once the committee assumes control over security matters in the strip.

Israel, however, has reiterated that it will not begin any pull‑back until Hamas is fully disarmed. Israeli officials stressed that the presence of armed groups in Gaza remains a primary security concern and that any withdrawal would be contingent on a comprehensive cessation of hostilities and the removal of all militant capabilities.

The development marks a significant shift in the conflict’s dynamics, but both sides have underscored that the roadmap’s success hinges on mutual compliance and verification measures. The international community is monitoring the situation closely as the parties work toward a framework that could potentially end the current hostilities.