Talks around the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire are beginning to reveal a significant shift in diplomatic thinking, with the possible disarmament of Hamas now being openly linked to the prospect of amnesty for its members.
A United States official, speaking anonymously to reporters in Washington on Monday, said American officials believe Hamas is prepared to give up its weapons as part of the ceasefire framework reached last October. The official added that such a step would not come without concessions, noting that disarmament discussions are being paired with considerations of amnesty for fighters who comply.
The comments came shortly after Israel confirmed that the remains of the last Israeli captive held in Gaza had been recovered and positively identified. That development effectively concludes the first phase of the ceasefire and opens the door to negotiations on what comes next, including governance, security arrangements, and humanitarian access in the devastated enclave.
According to the US official, Washington has been monitoring statements and internal signals from Hamas that suggest a growing willingness to disarm. If the group fails to follow through, the official warned, it would be seen as violating the terms of the agreement. The United States, the official said, believes it has a detailed and workable plan to support the disarmament process.
During the background briefing, the official also hinted at broader political implications. When asked whether Hamas could transition into a political actor if it disarmed, the official acknowledged that the idea of amnesty for those who lay down their arms is part of ongoing discussions. No specifics were offered, but the mere public acknowledgment of such a possibility marks a notable change in tone from past positions.
Diplomatic sources say the shape and timing of any agreement will depend on negotiations involving multiple parties, including Israel, the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye. Each actor brings different priorities to the table, ranging from security guarantees to humanitarian relief and long-term political arrangements for Gaza.
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Israel, for its part, said the return of all captives means Hamas has completed its obligations under the initial ceasefire phase. Hamas echoed that view, saying it had acted responsibly and in full compliance with the agreement. The group called on Israel to meet its own commitments without delay, including reopening the Rafah crossing in both directions, allowing unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza, lifting bans on essential supplies, and completing its withdrawal from the territory.
The ceasefire plan advanced by President Donald Trump outlines a clear sequence. Once all captives are returned, Hamas members who surrender their weapons would be eligible for amnesty. Those who choose to leave Gaza would be granted safe passage, while aid would be allowed to flow freely into the enclave. The plan also calls for the reopening of Rafah as a critical humanitarian and commercial lifeline.
Meanwhile, regional diplomacy continues to intensify. On Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Hamas officials in Ankara to discuss the next phase of the ceasefire and the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. Turkish officials said the talks also covered Ankara’s efforts on international platforms to push for Palestinian rights and sustain aid delivery.
With the first phase of the truce now complete, attention is shifting to whether disarmament, amnesty, and reconstruction can be aligned in a way that prevents Gaza from sliding back into conflict.