As part of ongoing international diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza, a new proposal is currently being drafted through cooperation between Saudi Arabia and France. The initiative, which is being discussed today (Wednesday), aims to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and address the question of Hamas’s role in the aftermath of the war.
Hamas as a Political Entity Only
France and Saudi Arabia are working together to advance a political proposal aimed at fully disarming the Hamas terrorist organization and integrating it solely as a political entity. This, according to sources familiar with the details who spoke to Bloomberg. According to the report, Saudi Arabia is in direct contact with Hamas as part of its efforts to advance the initiative. It is not yet clear whether France is also engaging directly with the terror organization.
The declared goal of the initiative is to transform Hamas from a military terror group into a political organization that could still play a limited role in future Palestinian governance. According to the same sources, the possibility of Hamas retaining restricted political influence might increase the likelihood that it agrees to disarm.
Joining Egypt’s Efforts
In addition to the Saudi-French initiative, Egypt is also promoting its own independent proposal with similar features, first reported in April by the Al Araby newspaper. The Egyptian plan, formulated as part of its mediation efforts for a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, includes a demand for the full disarmament of Hamas in exchange for a five-year ceasefire.
Like the Saudi initiative, Egypt’s proposal seeks to shift Hamas’s role from a military terrorist organization to a political entity, while transferring control of Gaza to an independent Palestinian third party unaffiliated with Hamas.
Israel’s Response
Israel demands the complete dismantling of the terrorist organization—militarily and politically. Therefore, any future agreement must include Hamas’s full removal from all centers of power and influence. In addition, Israel opposes any Hamas involvement in the mechanisms of reconstruction, humanitarian aid, or civilian administration in Gaza.
