Hamas distributing personal weapons to operatives to avoid total disarmament amid BoP deal - report

Hamas is distributing personal rifles to operatives in Gaza to avoid total disarmament under the Board of Peace deal, a Palestinian source told Kan News. The source said Hamas will not disarm, while the BoP insists Hamas is committed. The deal requires Hamas disarmament and IDF withdrawal, with Israel conditioning withdrawal on disarmament.

Hamas has begun distributing individual weapons to its operatives in the Gaza Strip, according to a report by Kan News on Saturday, citing a Palestinian source. The move is aimed at ensuring weapons remain in Hamas hands under the guise of personal ownership, as the group seeks to avoid total disarmament under the Board of Peace (BoP) deal. The source asserted, "Hamas will not disarm. Period." However, the BoP maintains that Hamas is committed to honoring the disarmament agreement, despite contrary statements from Hamas officials. Other sources claim Hamas confirmed its participation to Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the US. The BoP deal, announced by US President Donald Trump, requires Hamas disarmament and IDF withdrawal from Gaza, with the International Stabilization Force (ISF) to begin reconstruction. Israel has criticized the deal, insisting that disarmament is a precondition for withdrawal. Under the 15-point plan, Hamas must halt military activity within two weeks before disarmament can begin.