For the first time, Hamas and other armed factions in the Gaza Strip have agreed to surrender their weapons and transfer full governing authority, both civilian and security, Nickolay Mladenov, director-general of the Peace Council, claimed to the UNSC on Wednesday evening.
The security cabinet approved last month the launch of the pilot phase of a plan to introduce the Peace Council into the Gaza Strip, as part of a broader effort to restore basic services and humanitarian aid and establish civilian infrastructure in areas that are not under Hamas control.
During the security cabinet discussion, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich supported the move, while National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir opposed it.
Hamas agrees to disarm, BoP's Mladenov claims
Under the approved plan, the first phase will begin in the Rafah area. Temporary structures will be established to house Palestinian residents, alongside the restoration of basic services and the provision of humanitarian aid.
Anyone seeking to live in the designated compounds will undergo a strict security screening process intended to ensure that they are not affiliated with Hamas or other terrorist organizations.
As part of the discussion, the cabinet also approved the deployment of an international stabilization force in Gaza as part of preparations to implement the plan on the ground.