Gaza Herald _Palestinian factions participating in ongoing negotiations in Cairo, including Hamas, have reportedly agreed in principle to place weapons in the Gaza Strip under the authority of a unified Palestinian body, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The proposal was developed during meetings involving Palestinian representatives and mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and TĂĽrkiye as efforts continue to advance the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire process.
The discussions, which have been underway in Cairo for four consecutive days, have focused on a range of political, security, and humanitarian issues related to Gaza’s future administration, reconstruction, and long-term stability.
Progress Reported in Negotiations
Taher Al-Nono, media adviser to Hamas’s political leadership, said the talks had achieved what he described as tangible progress. Speaking to Agence France-Presse, Al-Nono stated that Hamas and participating Palestinian factions had prepared a unified national response to a roadmap presented by mediators as part of efforts to move forward with the Gaza agreement proposed under U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace initiative.
According to officials involved in the discussions, the Palestinian response seeks to establish a comprehensive framework addressing security arrangements, governance, reconstruction, and the implementation of future stages of the ceasefire agreement.
Arms Proposal Linked to Israeli Withdrawal
Sources familiar with the negotiations said the Palestinian proposal includes placing weapons under the control of a single agreed-upon Palestinian authority. The framework reportedly links this arrangement to a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, culminating in a complete withdrawal from the territory.
The proposal also calls for international guarantees to ensure implementation of the agreement, support long-term stability, prevent a return to war, and facilitate reconstruction efforts throughout Gaza.
Next Phase of the Gaza Agreement
The ceasefire framework that followed two years of war outlined a multi-stage process. During the initial phase, prisoner and hostage exchanges took place between Hamas and Israel, military operations were halted, Israeli forces withdrew from residential areas, and humanitarian aid was allowed to enter Gaza on a larger scale.
The proposed second phase would involve the transfer of Gaza’s administration to a Palestinian national committee operating under the supervision of the Peace Council established through the Trump initiative. The plan also envisions the beginning of reconstruction efforts and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from the territory.
Mediators have been working to accelerate the transition toward this next phase, although significant political and security obstacles remain unresolved.
Concerns Over Possible Rejection
Despite reports of progress, Palestinian officials involved in the negotiations have expressed concern that both Israel and Peace Council representative Nikolay Mladenov may reject the conditions outlined by Palestinian factions.
According to one Palestinian source, Israel continues to insist that all weapons in Gaza be handed over to the international stabilization force envisioned under the proposed framework.
The source added that Hamas informed mediators that Palestinian factions were prepared to discuss the issue of weapons within the context of an agreed Palestinian governing authority but remained opposed to disarmament proposals that, in their view, would eliminate Palestinian resistance capabilities and create instability inside Gaza.
Broader Issues Under Discussion
Al-Nono said negotiations have also addressed several unresolved matters related to the ceasefire agreement, including the protection of Palestinian political rights, the establishment of a national committee to administer Gaza, the expansion of humanitarian aid deliveries, the launch of relief and reconstruction programs, and mechanisms to support long-term stability in the territory.
Continuing Violence Despite the Ceasefire
Although a ceasefire was announced on October 10, 2025, violence has continued. Israeli military operations in Gaza have persisted on an almost daily basis, while Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused one another of violating the truce.
According to figures cited in the report, at least 970 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect. During the same period, five Israeli soldiers have also been reported killed inside the territory.
As mediators push for further progress in Cairo, negotiators continue to face the challenge of bridging deep divisions over security arrangements, governance, reconstruction, and the future political landscape of Gaza.
