Rafah Disarmament Proposal: Hamas Fighters May Surrender Arms Under Egyptian Mediation
A new Rafah disarmament proposal could see Hamas fighters surrender their weapons in exchange for safe passage, under a deal reportedly mediated by Egypt and backed by the United States. The move is being described as a possible first step toward the broader demilitarization of Gaza.
Proposal Details
According to sources familiar with the talks, around 200 Hamas fighters trapped in Rafah would be allowed safe passage to other parts of the Gaza Strip if they hand over their weapons to Egyptian authorities. Fighters would also be required to share information about tunnel networks to facilitate their destruction, an Egyptian security official confirmed.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff called the deal “a test case” for a wider process aimed at disarming Hamas forces across Gaza. The discussions come amid a fragile ceasefire that began on October 10, which has been repeatedly violated by attacks and retaliatory strikes in southern Gaza.
Ceasefire Tensions in Rafah
Despite the ongoing truce, Rafah has witnessed some of the deadliest clashes since the ceasefire began. Israeli forces have reported multiple attacks attributed to Hamas, though the group has denied involvement. Local sources indicate that many fighters in Rafah have been out of communication since March, and some may not even know that a ceasefire is currently in place.
Trump’s Gaza Plan Connection
The Rafah disarmament proposal reportedly fits into former US President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, which envisions a demilitarized Hamas, the transfer of Gaza’s governance to a technocratic Palestinian committee, and the establishment of an internationally supervised security force.
Witkoff stated that the new force could become operational within three weeks, marking what he described as a “critical moment” for Hamas to begin the process of demilitarization.
A Test for the Future of Gaza
“This may become the model for Gaza’s future,” Witkoff said. “If the 200 fighters in Rafah can walk out, raise their hands, and surrender their weapons, it could be the first real test of what comes next.”
