The United States will treat the disarmament of Hamas as crucial to negotiations on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire, as intensive diplomatic talks on the future of the region continue in Washington and Miami.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised that without Hamas being disarmed, lasting peace in the Gaza Strip is inconceivable. Qatari and Egyptian mediators—along with representatives from Turkey—are holding talks with U.S. envoys on the second phase of the ceasefire, which envisages a gradual Israeli withdrawal, the establishment of a temporary Palestinian administration, and the deployment of an international stabilisation force.
According to Rubio, the ceasefire that came into effect in October is “nothing short of a miracle,” but its survival is threatened by ongoing challenges on both sides.
Hamas leaders, meanwhile, reject the idea of disarmament, describing the possession of weapons as a legitimate right to self-defence and demanding an end to what they describe as Israeli ceasefire violations.
The situation is further complicated by continued violence in Gaza despite the truce, with Israel and Hamas accusing each other of breaching the agreement.
Rubio also said the United States is confident that several countries, including Pakistan and Indonesia, would be willing to contribute troops to an international peacekeeping force aimed at stabilising and rebuilding Gaza.
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