Israeli, Gazan and international sources are reporting significant progress toward the next phase of negotiations over Gaza, with Palestinian media saying an announcement on new understandings could come later today.

According to sources familiar with the talks, a proposed framework would place Hamas’ weapons under an agreed mechanism or a Palestinian technocratic committee rather than transferring them directly to another party. Israeli officials, however, insist any agreement must include the complete dismantling of Hamas’ heavy and light weapons, as well as its tunnel network, under strict international monitoring.

Official statements from the Gaza Peace Council reportedly envision a postwar framework in which Hamas would have no governing role, either publicly or behind the scenes. Authority would instead be transferred to a technocratic committee under the principle of “one authority, one law and one weapon.”

Sources close to Hamas say the group is conditioning any agreement on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, an end to targeted strikes, and implementation of commitments from the first phase of negotiations. Israeli and international officials continue to insist that any withdrawal must be preceded by the complete dismantling of Hamas’ military capabilities to prevent the terror group from rebuilding.

An Israeli source told Ynet that the biggest obstacle may now be the Israeli government, expressing doubt that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition would accept anything short of Hamas’ full disarmament. The source suggested the current proposal could instead serve as the basis for future negotiations, particularly if backed by the United States.

Other officials involved in the discussions described the direction of the talks as encouraging, claiming Hamas has shown willingness to accept complete disarmament under a strict verification mechanism. They said any Israeli withdrawal would occur only after an independent verification committee confirms Hamas has fully dismantled its military infrastructure.

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