Al Jazeera publishes draft of Gaza weapons collection agreement, detailing phased handover to international oversight

The published draft provides the most detailed look yet at the mechanism intended to demilitarize the Gaza Strip. According to the report by Abu Ali Express, the agreement focuses on the collection and storage of heavy weapons, the handover of military production facilities, and the mapping of warehouses and tunnels. The process is designed to be reciprocal, with the commencement of weapons collection explicitly linked to the completion of remaining obligations from the Sharm el-Sheikh protocol and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces.

The Oversight Mechanism

Under the terms of the draft, a "National Committee" will serve as the sole entity authorized to hold, store, and control weaponry within the Gaza Strip. This committee is expected to take full control of the arsenal after the completion of phases seven through ten of the broader diplomatic roadmap. The draft further stipulates that the handling of the weapons issue is tied to creating a "credible path" toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood.

This framework aligns with earlier reports regarding a "zero trust" model, as previously covered by The Zioneer. The Gaza Peace Council, which has been central to the mediation, emphasized on Friday that for the first time, Hamas has formally committed to a practical plan. The council stated that it is now shifting its focus entirely toward the implementation phase, which aims to bring tangible benefits to Gaza residents while strengthening Israeli security.

Context and Verification Challenges

The roadmap builds on a multi-phased diplomatic effort involving the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. As The Zioneer reported earlier this week, the International Stabilization Force (ISF) is expected to play a critical role in guarding the designated warehouses where the surrendered weapons will be stored. While the Gaza Peace Council frames this as a breakthrough, the practical challenges of verifying the destruction of tunnels and the complete handover of production sites remain significant hurdles for the Israeli security establishment.

Outlook

The transition to a technocratic government and the potential end of Hamas's 19-year military rule in Gaza now hinges on the successful execution of this phased handover. Observers will be watching for the first signs of physical weapons transfers to the National Committee, which would mark the beginning of the verification process. However, the linkage between disarmament and a full Israeli withdrawal ensures that the timeline remains sensitive to security developments on the ground.