Israel is concerned that Hamas will stage a symbolic disarmament, surrendering a handful of obsolete weapons under pressure from international mediators in a bid to generate favorable headlines and push forward the next phase of the ceasefire deal while retaining most of its arsenal, officials told ynet on Saturday.
According to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace framework, Phase Two of the agreement would require Israel to withdraw from the so-called “yellow line” in Gaza, with the vacated area to be handed over to an international force.
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Armed Hamas operatives in Khan Younis
(Photo: REUTERS/Hatem Khaled)
Following the meeting, the mediating countries issued a joint statement expressing support for the establishment and near-term activation of the Board of Peace to serve as a transitional governing body in Gaza.
The statement said representatives had convened to review implementation of the first stage of the deal and to prepare for the second. “The first stage led to progress, including the expansion of humanitarian aid, the return of the remains of hostages, a partial troop withdrawal and a reduction in hostilities,” it read.
It added that in talks regarding Phase Two, the sides “emphasized the potential to establish a governing body in Gaza operating under a unified Gazan authority, with the aim of protecting civilians and maintaining public order.”
Former British prime minister Tony Blair had been considered a leading candidate to head Trump’s envisioned Board of Peace, but reports earlier this month indicated that he would not assume the post due to opposition from Arab states.
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IDF forces operating in Israeli-held areas of Gaza
(Photo: IDF)
U.S. officials believe that with enough pressure from Qatar and Turkey, Hamas may yet hand over Gvili’s remains, an act Washington sees as a potential first step toward disarmament in Gaza.
Israeli sources say that until recently, it was believed that two to four deceased hostages remained unaccounted for in Gaza, with the locations of their graves unknown due to the deaths of their captors.
“In the end, we are left with one fallen hostage,” one official said. “We have 20 living hostages back home, and nearly all the bodies have been returned. Israel controls more than half of Gaza, and Hamas has committed in writing to disarm. That is nothing short of a miracle.”
Despite deep skepticism over the mediators’ approach, Israeli officials say they are giving the process room to work. “Every time we think the mediators are delusional, we stop and give them credit,” one source said. “They truly believe they can recover Gvili’s remains and begin disarmament. We have to give them a chance, and we are.”
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said its meeting with Witkoff and other mediators focused on implementing the first phase of the Gaza peace plan and included an exchange of views on advancing to the second phase.
“Despite violations, the ceasefire remains in effect, the hostage release has been completed and fighting has largely subsided,” the ministry said—without mentioning that Gvili’s remains have not been returned. Regarding the next stage, Turkish officials said discussions addressed arrangements to ensure that Gaza would be governed by its residents, along with steps related to the proposed Board of Peace and international stabilization force outlined in the plan.
Turkey continues to push for a role in that force, including the deployment of Turkish troops, but Israel has issued a blanket veto.
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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
(Photo: AP/Mark Schiefelbein, AP/Alexander Nemenov, AFP, GPO)