This week, the IDF struck significant Hamas assets and personnel in Gaza, while the U.S. and the terror group held their first direct talks since the ceasefire began in October. The Times of Israel reports that the second phase of the agreement would involve the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of a multinational force in Gaza. It also reported that the IDF eliminated Hamas’ communications official in a strike this week, along with others accused of breaching the ceasefire.
In a separate strike earlier this week, the IDF said it killed two operatives from Hamas’s production unit – Islam Hisham Riyad Kanita and Mahmoud Hamed Youssef Hamduna – who were allegedly working to rebuild the group’s military capabilities, including during the ongoing ceasefire.
In the latter half of March, Hamas was presented with a proposal for the gradual disarmament of all groups in Gaza in the coming months, two Arab diplomats familiar with the matter told The Times of Israel at the time.
The proposal requires Hamas in the first stage to — within 90 days — hand over its heavy weaponry, such as missiles and rocket launchers, in addition to maps of its tunnel network.
Last week, diplomats told The Times of Israel that Hamas is not expected to give final approval to the plan.
Ahmad Abu Khadra was identified as the commander of Hamas’s communications unit. Islam Hisham Riyad Kanita and Mahmoud Hamed Youssef Hamduna were also identified as commanders rather than standard operatives of the group. The IDF stated that precise munitions and aerial surveillance were used in these operations to mitigate damage to surrounding structures and civilians.
While the U.S. has been involved in talks with Hamas, Israel has said the situation in Gaza has stalled, particularly amid the ongoing tensions with Iran and the terror groups it supports. While Hamas has insisted that lighter weapons be excluded from disarmament, Israel is pushing for total and complete disarmament.
This is a pivotal time for dialogue, as ceasefire efforts involving Iran are being considered for extension and potential inclusion of Lebanon. The Fellowship and its supporters pray that a resolution is reached without further violence.
