Board of Peace Demands AlQassam Brigades Surrender All Weapons Before IDF Withdrawal

The new directive from the Board of Peace (BoP) fundamentally alters the sequence of the emerging Gaza framework. According to reports, the demand specifies that the "decommissioning" phase must be completed before an Israeli military pullout, overturning previous understandings that suggested heavy weaponry might be handed over only after an initial withdrawal. The scope of this decommissioning is comprehensive, covering not only heavy assets but also individual rifles, existing stockpiles, and the extensive underground tunnel network.

International Oversight and Verification

To ensure compliance, the BoP stated that this phase will be overseen by two specialized bodies: the International Stabilization Force (ISF) and the International Verification Force (IVF). These entities are tasked with the practical management of the transition, moving Gaza from a territory controlled by armed factions to a centralized governance model. The inclusion of the IVF, in particular, addresses a core Israeli concern regarding the potential for hidden stockpiles and the rehabilitation of terror infrastructure.

Alignment with Israeli Red Lines

This shift follows intense diplomatic activity in Jerusalem. As The Zioneer reported earlier, the IDF and the Israeli political leadership have consistently maintained "red lines" regarding any deal, specifically opposing a partial withdrawal before a full and verified dismantling of Hamas's military capabilities. Prime Minister Netanyahu's meeting with Mladenov appears to have solidified these requirements within the BoP’s formal roadmap. Previously, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) had signaled they would only consider disarmament following an immediate Israeli withdrawal—a position that now stands in direct contradiction to the BoP's latest mandate.

Security Implications and Outlook

The demand for total decommissioning before withdrawal reflects deep-seated skepticism within the Israeli security establishment toward Hamas's intentions. For years, the terror group has utilized ceasefires and diplomatic interludes to re-arm and expand its tunnel networks. By requiring the destruction of tunnels and the surrender of light weapons as a prerequisite, the BoP is attempting to implement a "zero trust" model. The coming days will be critical in determining whether Hamas will accept these tightened terms or if the move will lead to a deadlock in the broader peace plan initiated by the U.S. administration. The transition to a "one authority, one law, one weapon" model remains the stated goal, but the practical verification of tunnel destruction remains the most significant technical and security hurdle ahead.