EXPECTED WASHINGTON-HAMAS TALKS FOCUS ON WEAPONS AND AMNESTY

Thu 15 January 2026:

Reuters reported early on Thursday, quoting US officials, that Washington plans to enter talks with Hamas focusing on disarmament and the possibility of granting the group an amnesty, according to the officials.

The officials said the United States would engage with Hamas on the next phase in Gaza, which would centre on disarming the group. They added that Washington would also hold discussions with Israel on the nature of the amnesty programme that could be offered to Hamas.

According to the officials, Washington will announce decisions related to Gaza during the Davos conference.

They also said that “more information about the international stabilisation force in Gaza will be released within two weeks”.

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The officials noted that invitations would be sent to take part in the Gaza Peace Council, adding that US President Donald Trump would personally select the council’s members.

Earlier, US envoy Steve Witkoff announced the launch of the second phase of the US president’s 20-point plan to end the conflict in Gaza. This phase moves from a ceasefire towards disarmament, the formation of a technocratic administration, and reconstruction.

Witkoff explained that the second phase is based on establishing a temporary Palestinian technocratic administration, known as the “National Committee for the Administration of Gaza,” which would begin implementing a process of full disarmament.

“The US expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the last deceased hostage,” Witkoff said, adding: “Failure to do so will bring serious consequences.”

According to Al Jazeera, Hamas leaders and representatives of other Palestinian factions in Gaza are in the Egyptian capital Cairo for talks on the second phase of the United States-led Gaza ceasefire deal, amid a teetering ceasefire that Israel has repeatedly violated as its genocidal war continues.

The Palestinian group on Thursday welcomed the establishment of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee that would operate under the overall supervision of a so-called “Board of Peace”, to be chaired by US President Donald Trump.

“The formation of the committee is a step in the right direction,” said Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas leader.

“This is crucial for consolidating the ceasefire, preventing a return to war, addressing the catastrophic humanitarian crisis and preparing for comprehensive reconstruction.”

Deep uncertainty remains over the next steps involving the disarmament of Palestinian armed groups in the Strip, rebuilding and daily governance.

An adviser to the head of Hamas’s political bureau told Al Jazeera that discussions in Cairo are focusing on reopening the Rafah crossings, ensuring the entry of aid currently stockpiled on the Egyptian side of the border and securing an Israeli withdrawal.

Taher al-Nunu said Hamas “must work with mediators and the international community to achieve calm and a return to normalcy in Gaza” and praised the “great efforts” being made to implement what was agreed upon.

Al-Nunu also accused Israel of attempting to derail the ceasefire and said Hamas was “working with mediators to open the crossings, allow aid in and secure the withdrawal of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip”.

However, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, known as Kan, reported that Israeli officials consider the so-called yellow line – a buffer zone in eastern Gaza – as a strategic area that will remain under Israeli control.

Israel’s current military occupation of Gaza is more than 50 percent of the besieged enclave.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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