Hamas Considers Weapon 'Freezing' Amid Ceasefire with Israel, Raising Disarmament Questions
Hamas has expressed willingness to discuss 'freezing or storing' its weapons as part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, according to a senior official, Bassem Naim. This development comes as both parties prepare to enter the second phase of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which aims to address the future of Gaza. The ceasefire, based on a 20-point plan presented by President Trump and adopted by the U.N. Security Council, halted a two-year Israeli offensive in Gaza. The plan involves complex negotiations and the deployment of an international stabilization force. However, the specifics of disarmament remain contentious, with Hamas asserting its right to resist while being open to a long-term truce. The first phase of the ceasefire has seen accusations of violations from both sides, complicating the path forward.