Newsletters
The United States believes that disarmament by Hamas members in Gaza would be accompanied by some form of amnesty for the Palestinian group, a U.S. official said Monday.
The official, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity, made the remarks as the remains of the last Israeli hostage held by Hamas were identified and prepared for return.
The United States and Israel are pressuring Hamas to disarm as part of a broader plan under which Gaza would be redeveloped.
The official said U.S. authorities are confident Hamas will disarm.
“We are listening to many of their people talk about disarming. We think they’re going to. If they don’t disarm, then they’ve breached the deal,” the official said, adding that U.S. officials believe disarmament would come with “some sort of amnesty.”
Under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan, once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and agree to decommission their weapons would be granted amnesty.
The plan also provides that Hamas members who wish to leave Gaza would be given safe passage to receiving countries.
The Israeli Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to questions on whether Israel would agree to amnesty for Hamas members who disarm.
The Israeli military said Monday that the remains of the last remaining hostage held in Gaza, police officer Ran Gvili, have been identified and will be returned for burial.
Gvili had been held hostage for more than 840 days, according to the Israeli military.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
