Hamas rebuffs ‘trap’ disarmament plan as Israeli violations stall ceasefire process

Hamas has rebuffed a proposal by the US-backed “Board of Peace” to disarm the group, citing ongoing Israeli violations of the first phase of the ceasefire.

Palestinian sources with direct knowledge of the talks told Middle East Eye that Hamas views the plan, presented earlier this month, as a “trap” designed to ignite civil war in the Gaza Strip and destabilise Palestinian society.

The group fears the proposal would leave Palestinians in Gaza defenceless while allowing Israeli-backed armed gangs to operate freely and spread disorder.

“Hamas completely rejects this,” a Gaza-based source said, adding that opposition is even stronger within its military wing, the Qassam Brigades, which considers disarmament “collective suicide”.

“They know that giving up their weapons is not an option and will not happen,” the source added.

Read more: Hamas rebuffs ‘trap’ disarmament plan as Israeli violations stall ceasefire process