The Mechanics of Disarmament: Gaza Deal’s Toughest Practical Challenge

Beyond the high-level politics, the U.S. peace plan for Gaza faces an enormous practical challenge that will be a key point of discussion for President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu: the mechanics of actually disarming Hamas. This complex and dangerous process is arguably the single toughest element to implement in the entire proposal.
The plan reportedly calls for the complete and verifiable disarmament of the militant group, but the logistical hurdles are staggering. Hamas possesses a vast and hidden arsenal, including thousands of rockets, anti-tank missiles, and small arms, much of it stored in a sprawling network of underground tunnels.
A successful disarmament process would require several key components. First, it would need a robust international monitoring force with the mandate and capability to find and secure these weapons. Second, it would require a degree of cooperation from at least some elements within Hamas, which is highly unlikely without massive incentives.
Third, it would need a clear process for dealing with militants who refuse to disarm. This could involve a combination of amnesty programs and targeted enforcement actions, a volatile mix that could easily break down into renewed fighting.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, with his security-first mindset, will be intensely focused on these practical details. He will be deeply skeptical of any plan that relies on the goodwill of Hamas or the effectiveness of international peacekeepers. President Trump will need to present a detailed and convincing operational plan for how disarmament would work in practice, not just in theory, to have any hope of winning the Israeli leader’s approval.