by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – Efforts to dismantle Hamas’ military infrastructure in Gaza are moving forward according to plan, despite tensions surrounding the ceasefire, a senior official involved in U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace initiative told Ynet in an exclusive report Wednesday.
The official stressed that the truce is not collapsing and that several benchmarks have already been achieved, including the release of hostages, the reopening of the Rafah crossing and the formation of a technocratic administrative committee expected to enter Gaza in the coming weeks.
Attention is now shifting toward finalizing the framework for Hamas’ disarmament, with the first phase scheduled to begin in March. Under the emerging plan, the process will unfold in stages, beginning with the dismantling of tunnels, followed by weapons production sites, then rocket-propelled grenades and mortars, and finally small arms.
Responding to a report by The New York Times suggesting Washington may consider allowing Hamas to retain light weapons, the official clarified that small arms would be addressed last in the phased approach. Hamas has reportedly resisted surrendering all weapons at once, arguing its members could be vulnerable to rival factions if it disarms immediately.
Once the disarmament process begins, an International Stabilization Force (ISF) is expected to expand its presence. Indonesia has publicly offered up to 8,000 troops, and several other nations have agreed in principle to participate, contingent on a clear and enforceable agreement on Hamas’ disarmament.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally joined the Board of Peace during a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of Netanyahu’s talks with President Trump at the White House. While Netanyahu is not expected to attend the council’s first session in Washington on Feb. 19, participating nations will outline their level of representation and discuss funding mechanisms.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that U.S. security contractor UG Solutions is in discussions with the Board of Peace regarding a potential future role in Gaza. The company previously operated the American-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation but suspended operations after the October ceasefire. Discussions reportedly include proposals for logistical and security support as Gaza transitions into a stabilization phase.
Officials described the current stage as one of intensive coordination, with preparations underway for what they called a structured and durable dismantling of Hamas’ military capabilities — a process they acknowledged will take time but is advancing through consensus-based diplomacy rather than rapid confrontation.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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