Hamas Disarmament Comes with 'Amnesty' - A New Peace Gambit?
US officials hint at amnesty for Hamas fighters who disarm as Gaza ceasefire moves to phase two. Can armed groups transform into political entities through negotiated transitions?
When armed groups lay down weapons in exchange for amnesty, is it peace or compromise?
A senior US official revealed Monday that Hamas' disarmament in Gaza will be accompanied by "some sort of amnesty" for the Palestinian group. Speaking anonymously to reporters, the official outlined this approach as the Gaza ceasefire deal moves toward its second phase, following the recovery of the last Israeli captive's remains.
The Final Captive and a New Chapter
Israel confirmed Monday that the remains of Ran Gvili, the last captive held in Gaza, had been positively identified and "all those held in the war-torn Palestinian territory have now been repatriated." Hamas responded by emphasizing it had "fulfilled all its obligations in a clear and responsible manner" during phase one of the ceasefire agreement.
With phase one complete, attention shifts to the more complex second phase. The US official expressed confidence in Hamas's willingness to disarm: "We are listening to many of their people talk about disarming. We think they're going to. If they don't disarm, then they've breached the deal."
The comment came during a background briefing by senior officials from President Donald Trump's administration. As Al Jazeera's Rosiland Jordan noted from Washington, the public discussion of amnesty represents "a significant step" in the negotiation process.
Trump's 20-Point Plan: From Militants to Politicians?
Trump's 20-point Gaza plan contains intriguing provisions for political transformation. Once all captives are returned, Hamas members who decommission their weapons will receive amnesty. Those wishing to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage.
This isn't simply surrender - it's a pathway for armed groups to potentially transition into political entities. The plan also mandates that aid flow "freely" into Gaza and the Rafah border crossing with Egypt be reopened.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Hamas officials in Ankara Monday, discussing the second phase and humanitarian conditions in Gaza. According to ministry sources, Fidan briefed Hamas on Turkey's efforts through international platforms, including Trump's Board of Peace, to protect Palestinian rights in Gaza.
The Complex Calculus of Reconciliation
Yet this amnesty gambit carries complex international implications. Israel still designates Hamas as a terrorist organization, as does much of the international community. Amnesty doesn't automatically confer political legitimacy or recognition.
There's also the question of Gaza's 2.3 million residents, who endured 15 months of devastating conflict with over 40,000 casualties. Will disarmament and amnesty translate into genuine peace for those who've suffered most?
Hamas emphasized that Israel must fulfill its ceasefire obligations "without any deduction or delay," specifically demanding "the opening of the Rafah crossing in both directions without restrictions, the entry of the Gaza Strip's needs in the required quantities... and facilitating the work of the National Committee for the management of the Gaza Strip."
International Precedents and Pitfalls
History offers mixed lessons on armed-group transitions. Northern Ireland's IRA successfully transformed into Sinn Féin's political wing. South Africa's ANC moved from armed resistance to governing party. But other attempts have failed spectacularly, sometimes reigniting conflicts.
The amnesty discussion also raises questions about accountability. International law experts debate whether amnesty for armed groups serves peace or undermines justice for victims.
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