Hamas rebuffs ‘trap’ disarmament plan as Israeli violations stall ceasefire process

Hamas rebuffs ‘trap’ disarmament plan as Israeli violations stall ceasefire process Submitted by MEE correspondent on Sun, 04/19/2026 - 16:46 Sources say Hamas rejects US-backed proposal, citing failure to implement first phase of ceasefire and concerns over Gaza security Family members mourn outside the Nasser Hospital, the day after a Palestinian was killed in an Israeli strike in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip on 10 April 2026 (AFP/Bashar Taleb) Off Hamas has rebuffed a proposal by the US-backed “Board of Peace” to disarm the group, citing ongoing Israeli violations of the first phase of the ceasefire. Palestinian sources with direct knowledge of the talks told Middle East Eye that Hamas views the plan, presented earlier this month, as a “trap” designed to ignite civil war in the Gaza Strip and destabilise Palestinian society. The group fears the proposal would leave Palestinians in Gaza defenceless while allowing Israeli-backed armed gangs to operate freely and spread disorder.