Representatives of major Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, have reportedly agreed in principle to transfer parts of their weapons stockpiles to a new Palestinian body that has yet to be established, according to Palestinian sources involved in talks taking place in Cairo.
The discussions, which began on Saturday, are aimed at breaking months of deadlock over Gazaâs future governance and security arrangements. Most major Palestinian groups are participating in the negotiations, although the Fatah movement, which dominates the Palestinian Authority, is not involved.
According to sources familiar with the talks, delegates discussed mechanisms for transferring weapons to a proposed entity that would include representation from various Palestinian political factions.
However, participants rejected the idea of complete disarmament, a key demand repeatedly made by Israel.
âEgypt and the mediators are working to formulate a new, acceptable formula that takes into account the factionsâ agreement,â one participant said.
Another Palestinian representative involved in the discussions said Egyptian and Qatari mediators had welcomed the proposal as a potential way forward.
The reported plan differs significantly from Israelâs position, which calls for the total demilitarisation of Gaza, beginning with Hamas. As a result, observers believe the proposal is unlikely to gain immediate acceptance from the Israeli government.
One Palestinian political official said Hamas views any discussion regarding weapons as part of a broader political settlement.
âHamas is linking the weapons question to a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza ⊠and to Gazaâs reconstruction,â the official said.
Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said negotiations had made notable progress in recent days.
He stated that the factions were working toward implementing US President Donald Trumpâs peace initiative for Gaza and described recent developments as âsignificant progressâ.
Despite the ceasefire announced in October 2025 under the phased US-backed peace plan, Israeli military strikes have continued almost daily, while negotiations remain stalled.
Both Hamas and Israel have accused each other of violating the terms of the ceasefire. Hamas argues that Israel has failed to meet its obligations, particularly regarding the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. Israel, meanwhile, insists that the complete disarmament of Hamas is essential before any further implementation of the peace framework can proceed.
Hamas has repeatedly indicated that it is willing to discuss transferring part of its arsenal, but only within the context of a broader Palestinian political arrangement.
Former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal previously suggested alternatives such as freezing or storing weapons under agreed mechanisms, proposals that were rejected by Israel.
The Cairo talks are being closely watched as regional mediators seek a formula that could bridge the gap between Palestinian factionsâ demands and Israeli security requirements, while advancing efforts toward a longer-term political settlement in Gaza.
