A new U.S.-backed proposal presented to Hamas outlines a phased disarmament process over eight months, requiring the group to dismantle its extensive tunnel system and surrender its weapons as part of a broader plan to stabilize Gaza.

The proposal, put forward by President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace,” sets out a structured timeline beginning with a U.S.-supported body of Palestinian technocrats assuming control of Gaza’s security, and ending with a full Israeli withdrawal contingent on “verification that Gaza is free of weaponry.”

Efforts to implement the plan are complicated by Hamas’ longstanding refusal to disarm, a central obstacle in negotiations aimed at solidifying an October ceasefire that ended two years of intense conflict. Much of Hamas’ arsenal is believed to be stored within its underground tunnel network, and Israel has insisted it will not withdraw unless Hamas relinquishes its weapons.

A Palestinian official involved in the discussions described the proposal as flawed, saying it was “unfair,” and predicted Hamas would demand changes.

Speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks, the official also warned that the plan lacks assurances that Israel will fulfill its commitments. He added that tying reconstruction and humanitarian improvements to political conditions such as disarmament could risk reigniting the conflict.

The full proposal, initially reported by Al Jazeera, was shared with Reuters by two Palestinian officials participating in the negotiations, and a Hamas official confirmed its authenticity.

According to those familiar with the matter, the plan was formally presented to Hamas last week.

Hamas has not issued an official public response, though a representative said the group is reviewing the details. On Thursday, three additional Palestinian factions, including Islamic Jihad, released statements criticizing the plan, arguing it places too much emphasis on disarmament while neglecting key issues such as rebuilding Gaza and securing an Israeli withdrawal.

The proposal is divided into two main parts: a 12-point framework titled “Steps to Complete the Implementation of Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza,” and a five-phase schedule for disarmament over an eight-month period.

The document stipulates that all armed factions in Gaza, including groups like Islamic Jihad, must participate in the disarmament process under the supervision of a civilian administrative body known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.

“Gaza will be governed under the principle of one authority, one law, one weapon, whereby only individuals authorized by [NCAG] may possess weapons, and all armed factions will cease military activities,” the document says.

Oversight of the disarmament effort will be carried out by a body identified as the Weapons Collection Verification Committee, which the plan says will be established by Nickolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace’s chief envoy.

The plan also specifies that reconstruction will only proceed in areas designated as demilitarized zones.

Following the October ceasefire, Israel maintains control over more than half of Gaza, while Hamas continues to govern the remainder of the territory and its roughly 2 million residents, most of whom have been displaced by prolonged fighting.

While Hamas has publicly rejected disarmament in recent months, sources indicate that in private discussions, some within the group have shown willingness to consider it as part of a broader political process leading to Palestinian statehood. However, the current proposal does not address the issue of independence or the establishment of a state.

Under the proposed timeline, the first phase, lasting 15 days, would involve the National Committee assuming control over Gaza’s security and administrative functions while preparing for the collection of weapons.

In the second phase, Israel would remove heavy military equipment from areas under its control, including artillery and tanks, while an international security force would be deployed.

The third phase represents the most significant step, requiring Hamas to surrender its heavy weapons and equipment to the governing committee and “will allow the destruction of all tunnels, explosives, and military infrastructure.”

During the fourth phase, police forces under the committee would collect and register all remaining small arms, including rifles and handguns, as Israeli forces begin a gradual withdrawal.

The final phase calls for complete disarmament verification, after which “Israeli forces withdraw completely from Gaza, except for a presence in a security perimeter, and the start of comprehensive reconstruction efforts.”