Hamas has expressed a willingness to engage in discussions regarding the “freezing or storing” of its weapons, according to senior official Bassem Naim. This statement comes amid rising concerns surrounding the fragile ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, which is currently at a critical juncture.
In an interview with the Associated Press from Qatar on October 29, 2023, Naim indicated that Hamas is “very open minded” about the future of its armaments. The ceasefire deal, facilitated by the United States, mandates that Hamas disarm under the oversight of independent monitors as part of a broader strategy to demilitarize the Gaza Strip. Disarmament represents a pivotal component of the second phase of the 20-point ceasefire agreement.
Naim stated, “We can talk about freezing or storing or laying down, with the Palestinian guarantees, not to use it at all during this ceasefire time or truce.” His comments reflect the group’s readiness to consider alternatives to outright disarmament, which remains a key demand from Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Sunday that Israel is “very close” to progressing to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal. Nevertheless, significant details remain unresolved, particularly regarding the countries that will contribute to an international security force designated for Gaza—a crucial element of the agreement. Netanyahu underscored Israel’s primary objective, stating, “to disarm Hamas and demilitarize Gaza.”
There is uncertainty regarding whether Naim’s proposal to “freeze or store” weapons aligns with Israel’s insistence on complete disarmament as part of the ceasefire terms. Naim further clarified that any international force, even one operating under a mandate from the UN Security Council, would have limited authority within Gaza. He remarked, “We are welcoming a UN force to be near the borders, supervising the ceasefire agreement, reporting about violations, preventing any kind of escalations.” However, he stressed that such forces should not possess the mandate to operate within Palestinian territories.
During discussions at the Doha Forum on Saturday, representatives from Qatar, Egypt, and Norway expressed their apprehensions regarding the viability of the ceasefire. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani noted the precarious situation, stating, “Now, we are at a critical moment (of the Gaza ceasefire). It’s not yet there, so what we have just done is a pause.”
As negotiations continue, the situation remains fluid, with a focus on preventing further escalations and ensuring the ceasefire holds. The next steps in the process are likely to be closely monitored by international observers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining dialogue and cooperation among involved parties.