U.S. Envoy Witkoff on Hamas Disarmament Talks
American envoy Steve Witkoff stirred heated debate by stating that Hamas had privately agreed to disarm before the planned ceasefire on October 9. According to Witkoff, the group indicated to him and Jared Kushner its readiness to give up arms as part of a U.S.-supported initiative aiming for demilitarization and new employment opportunities in Gaza.
“Witkoff said Hamas conveyed its willingness to surrender weapons under a U.S.-backed demilitarization and jobs plan for Gaza.”
Despite these claims, Hamas continues to deny any disarmament intentions in public statements. Some Arab diplomats, however, remain open to the possibility of limited or phased disarmament as a compromise measure.
Witkoff also noted that Washington is setting up a decommissioning unit and urging Israel to permit safe evacuation for Hamas combatants still surrounded in Rafah.
Author’s Summary
Steve Witkoff’s statements unveil behind-the-scenes talks suggesting potential Hamas disarmament and growing U.S. efforts to reshape Gaza under a fragile ceasefire scenario.