Disputes over Hamas disarmament stall Gaza peace plan progress

The Guardian World

by Julian Borger in Jerusalem

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Disagreements over Hamas disarmament have caused significant delays in the Gaza peace plan, with Israel threatening to escalate military action if the group does not surrender its weapons soon. The second phase of the US-brokered ceasefire, which began earlier this year, aimed to include Hamas disarming, Israeli forces withdrawing, and a Palestinian interim government assuming control of Gaza with international support. However, experts warn that Hamas is highly likely to reject such terms, as there is no assurance Israel will pull back its troops in exchange for disarmament. The situation highlights the deep-rooted tensions between Israel and Hamas, where both sides have seemingly incompatible demands. For Israel, disarming Hamas is seen as a non-negotiable condition for ending hostilities and ensuring long-term security. Meanwhile, Hamas views disarmament as an existential threat, arguing that it would leave them vulnerable to Israeli military force without reciprocal guarantees of withdrawal or Palestinian statehood. The stakes are high not only for the region but also globally. A failure to resolve this impasse could lead to a resurgence of full-scale conflict in Gaza, further destabilizing an already volatile area. Additionally, the collapse of peace efforts could undermine US and international diplomacy, casting doubt on future efforts to broker agreements between Israel and Palestine. This issue underscores the complex dynamics at play in the Middle East, where decades of conflict have created deep divisions that are difficult to bridge. The outcome of these negotiations will not only shape the future of Gaza but also influence broader regional stability and diplomatic relations worldwide.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/25/2026