Hamas Signals Flexibility on Weapon Handling A senior Hamas official told reporters in Qatar that the group is “very open‑minded” about freezing, storing, or laying down its remaining arms as part of the ceasefire framework [1][2]. The statement indicates a possible shift from outright refusal to a conditional compromise that could extend the pause for five to ten years [2]. Hamas’ willingness aligns with U.S.-brokered discussions that seek a concrete mechanism for weapon management [1].

Second Phase Focuses on Disarmament and Governance The U.S.-brokered 20‑point agreement’s second phase requires Hamas to surrender its weapons under independent monitoring, a point emphasized by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as nearing implementation [1]. Simultaneously, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority have advanced a technocratic committee to run Gaza’s daily affairs, including appointing a West Bank‑origin minister to head the body [2]. These parallel tracks aim to combine security guarantees with civilian governance structures.

International Force Composition Remains Uncertain Negotiators are debating the makeup, command, and duties of an international security force that would supervise the ceasefire, with some countries signaling readiness to contribute troops [2]. CNN notes that any UN‑backed force would likely have a limited mandate confined to border areas for monitoring and reporting, without authority to conduct operations inside Palestinian territories [1]. The lack of clarity on participating nations and rules of engagement continues to delay finalization of the force.

Disagreement Persists Over Full Disarmament Requirements Israel insists on complete Hamas disarmament as a precondition for advancing the ceasefire, while Hamas rejects any domestic disarmament and argues it can monitor the pause without internal enforcement mandates [1][2]. This fundamental dispute has kept the second phase “very close” but not yet sealed, according to Netanyahu’s remarks [1]. Both outlets highlight that the deadlock over weapon surrender remains the chief obstacle to a durable peace.