Israeli and Board Sources Say Gaza Disarmament Could Advance Within Weeks

Israeli diplomatic and security sources and Board of Peace officials say implementation of the Gaza disarmament plan could advance within weeks. They said last week’s Netanyahu-Mladenov meeting produced agreement on surrendering all categories of Hamas and other faction weapons, with oversight and monitoring mechanisms still to be established. Mladenov said there is “no gray area,” while Hamas spokesman Osama Hamdan said only heavy weapons would be transferred to a Palestinian technocratic committee. The multinational stabilization force has not yet formed, and disputes remain over vetting a new police force and the plan’s $400 million financing.