Israel is demanding that the process of disarming the Gaza Strip begin on Oct. 7, a highly symbolic date marking the anniversary of the Hamas massacre that triggered the war in 2023, according to a report by the Saudi-owned Al Arabiya network.
Sources told Al Arabiya that Israel specifically requested the Oct. 7 start date for the disarmament process. According to the report, recent statements by President Donald Trump on the issue came after he was presented with Israeli polling showing significant public opposition to an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
The Board of Peace, meanwhile, has reportedly made clear that the political future of Hamas leaders in any future Palestinian government will depend on the terror group surrendering its weapons. Board envoy Nickolay Mladenov told Hamas that meaningful negotiations cannot take place while weapons remain widespread throughout Gaza.
The Board of Peace has also informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel will not be required to begin withdrawing its forces from Gaza before Hamas has been completely disarmed. The provision is part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement that took effect on Oct. 10, 2025.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem, however, told AFP that the terror organization remains committed to the agreed-upon process, while claiming that Israel has yet to provide mediators with a clear approval of the proposed roadmap.
The developments follow a series of meetings held by U.S. envoy Jared Kushner in Egypt and Israel aimed at advancing the next stage of the Gaza agreement. As part of the emerging arrangements, an American military officer is expected to oversee the process by which Hamas hands over its weapons.
