A plan for the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian groups in Gaza has been submitted by Board of Peace Director General Nickolay Mladenov, according to details seen by Al Jazeera.
The plan, which would be implemented over eight months, calls for a gradual disarmament in exchange for Israel fulfilling its obligations, including allowing reconstruction materials into Gaza and increasing humanitarian aid.
Authorities said the process would involve a multiphase approach, with disarmament proceeding in parallel with a staged withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.
Nikolay Mladenov referred to the plan in a speech to the United Nations Security Council, stating that the plan had been presented to relevant armed groups, who were urged to accept the framework without delay.
Key Components of the Plan
The first phase of the plan would see a complete cessation of military operations by Israel and Hamas, as well as the implementation of humanitarian protocols that Israel committed to under the ceasefire.
The second phase, which would take place between day 16 and day 60, would involve the beginning of the disarmament process, with Hamas and other Palestinian factions cooperating to remove heavy weapons from areas controlled by Israel and then from areas still controlled by Hamas.
Israel would be required to allow temporary prefabricated residential units to be constructed in locations approved by the Palestinian national committee, while Hamas would destroy its tunnel network before day 90 of the plan.
Reaction to the Plan
Hamas has repeatedly refused to give up its arms as long as Israel's occupation of Gaza continues, and has stated that disarmament is an internal Palestinian matter that should be discussed between factions rather than imposed from the outside.
Palestinian experts have told Al Jazeera that the plan in effect means the "political surrender" of Hamas, with the group giving up all control of Gaza as part of the proposed "one authority, one law, and one weapon" in the territory under the Palestinian national committee.
Source: Al Jazeera
