US and Israel Set Two-Month Deadline for Hamas to Surrender Heavy Weapons

The United States and Israel have reportedly agreed to grant the Hamas organization a two-month period to begin surrendering its heavy weaponry, as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce hostilities in the Gaza Strip. Sources familiar with the discussions confirmed that US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached this understanding during a high-level meeting in Florida.

According to multiple reports, both countries are working together to establish mutually accepted standards for what would constitute the effective disarmament of Hamas. Specialized teams from the US and Israel have been tasked with defining clear criteria to guide the process, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the disarmament phase.

Preliminary assessments indicate that Hamas may be open to surrendering heavy weapons, such as rockets, while potentially retaining smaller arms. Israeli officials, however, have expressed concerns that Hamas could attempt to keep a significant portion of its weapon stockpiles and maintain aspects of its military capability, which both the US and Israel consider unacceptable.

Intelligence shared by Israeli authorities suggests that Hamas currently possesses approximately 60,000 Kalashnikov-type assault rifles in Gaza. This figure highlights the scale of the challenge facing disarmament efforts and underscores the importance of precise monitoring and verification.

The agreement also covers the dismantling of Hamas's extensive underground tunnel network, which has long been used for military operations and smuggling activities. The destruction of these tunnels is viewed as a critical component of the broader demilitarization strategy for Gaza.

Should Hamas fail to comply with the disarmament deadline, responsibility for subsequent actions would revert to Israel, which may resume military operations against the organization. This approach is designed to maintain pressure on Hamas while providing a clear framework for potential de-escalation.

The two-month disarmament period is part of the second phase of a peace initiative proposed by the US administration. The plan envisages a step-by-step withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, contingent upon the verified surrender of Hamas's weapons. However, Hamas has so far categorically rejected calls for full disarmament, raising doubts about the feasibility of the proposed timetable.

International stabilization forces have also been suggested as a possible mechanism for ensuring compliance, but there is skepticism regarding their ability to enforce disarmament in practice. Observers note that the complex security environment in Gaza, combined with the entrenched position of Hamas, presents significant obstacles to international oversight.

As diplomatic efforts continue, both the United States and Israel remain committed to achieving a sustainable reduction in hostilities and preventing the rearmament of Hamas. The outcome of the two-month deadline will likely have a lasting impact on the prospects for long-term stability in the region.