Hamas offers weapon handover in U.S. Gaza plan, Netanyahu rejects it

Hamas announced it would surrender its weapons as part of a United States‑backed proposal aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, a move that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly dismissed. The U.S. plan, presented by senior officials in recent weeks, envisions a phased ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and a reconstruction framework for the Strip, contingent on Hamas relinquishing its arsenal and disarming militant factions.

Netanyahu’s rejection stems from concerns that the weapons handover would not guarantee lasting security for Israel and could empower Hamas in the post‑conflict environment. Israeli officials have emphasized the need for a comprehensive disarmament and a clear mechanism to prevent future attacks, while U.S. diplomats continue to urge both sides to consider the proposal as a pathway to de‑escalation. The divergent positions highlight the challenges facing any diplomatic effort to resolve the Gaza war.