Hamas is expected to be asked to permit the dismantling of its extensive tunnel network in Gaza and to surrender its weapons in phases over an eight-month period, according to a disarmament plan presented to the group under the initiative of US President Donald Trump.

The proposal outlines a timeline beginning with the transfer of security control in Gaza to a committee of Palestinian technocrats backed by the United States. It concludes with the full withdrawal of Israeli forces once it is verified that the territory has been completely disarmed.

The issue of Hamas disarmament remains a major obstacle in negotiations aimed at implementing Trump’s Gaza plan and consolidating the ceasefire reached in October, which ended two years of conflict.

Hamas has consistently rejected calls to relinquish its weapons, which are believed to be largely stored within Gaza’s tunnel system. Israel, for its part, has stated it will not agree to withdraw from the territory unless Hamas is fully disarmed.

A Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations described the proposal as “unfair” and said Hamas is likely to seek “modifications and improvements.” Speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks, the official added that the plan provides no guarantees that Israel will fulfill its commitments. He warned that linking reconstruction and improved living conditions to political conditions such as disarmament could risk reigniting the conflict.

“One authority, one legal system, one army”

Reuters obtained the full text of the plan—first reported by Al Jazeera—through two Palestinian officials involved in the discussions. A Hamas official confirmed the document’s authenticity.

The plan was presented to Hamas last week by the Peace Council. The group has not issued a public response, though one official said it is currently reviewing the proposal.

On Thursday, three other Palestinian factions, including Islamic Jihad, criticized the plan, arguing that it places disproportionate emphasis on disarmament rather than reconstruction and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

The proposal consists of a 12-point framework titled “Steps to Complete the Implementation of Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza,” alongside a five-phase timeline for disarmament over eight months.

Under the plan, all armed groups in Gaza—including factions such as Islamic Jihad—would participate in a disarmament process overseen by Palestinian technocrats operating under the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).

The document states that Gaza would be governed according to the principle of “one authority, one legal system, one army,” with only individuals authorized by the NCAG permitted to carry weapons. All armed factions would be required to cease military activities.

Disarmament would be monitored by an Arms Collection Verification Commission, a body to be established by Nikolai Mladenov, the Peace Council’s chief envoy.

Reconstruction efforts, the document adds, would be permitted only in areas designated as demilitarized zones.

Eight-month disarmament timeline

Following the October ceasefire, Israel gained control of more than half of Gaza, while Hamas retained control over the remainder of the enclave and its population of approximately two million people—most of whom have been displaced after two years of sustained Israeli bombardment.

Although Hamas, which remains committed to armed resistance and has pledged to destroy Israel, has publicly rejected calls for disarmament, officials within the group have indicated in private discussions that they may be open to such measures if they are linked to a political process leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state.

However, the 12-point plan makes no reference to Palestinian statehood or independence.

According to the proposed timeline, the first phase—lasting 15 days—would see the NCAG assume both security and administrative control of Gaza, while preparing for weapons collection.

In the second phase, spanning days 16 to 40, Israel would withdraw heavy weaponry from areas under its control, including artillery and armored units, and an international security force would be deployed.

The third phase, from days 31 to 90, would be the most intensive. During this period, Hamas would hand over all heavy weapons and military equipment to the NCAG and allow for the destruction of tunnels, explosives, and other military infrastructure.

In the fourth phase, covering days 91 to 250, NCAG police forces would collect and register all remaining weapons, including small arms, while Israeli forces would begin a phased withdrawal.

The fifth and final phase would involve verification of full disarmament. Israeli forces would withdraw completely from Gaza, except for a presence within a designated security perimeter, while efforts toward comprehensive reconstruction would begin.