Hamas disarmament roadmap is an opening, and there is only one way to not lose it - opinion

Hamas has accepted a roadmap for disarming, a development hailed as the most significant opening yet for testing a proposition for lasting peace. This acceptance follows joint calls by Israeli and Palestinian representatives at the United Nations Security Council for Hamas to relinquish its weapons, for an International Stabilization Force to deploy, and for reciprocal confidence-building measures.

“

Neither people can achieve lasting security through the permanent insecurity of the other.

The announcement is considered an achievement, building on President Trump's 20-Point Plan and sustained mediation efforts by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye. The critical next step is whether Israel will also accept the roadmap and if both parties will honor their respective commitments. The success of this initiative depends on translating these pledges into reciprocal and verifiable actions, rather than allowing disagreements over the sequence of events to cause paralysis.

“

Hamas must relinquish its weapons, an International Stabilization Force must deploy, and reciprocal confidence-building measures must move both peoples away from perpetual war.

Experts emphasize that disarmament must be a reciprocal and verifiable process, not merely a ceremonial act with a deadline. Historical precedents, such as the decommissioning process in Northern Ireland and phased weapons handover in Colombia, highlight the necessity of independent international commissions, trusted verification mechanisms, and synchronized actions. These examples underscore that irreversible steps require mutual movement, credible guarantees, and reliable oversight.

“

It is an achievement worth recognizing.

A robust verification mechanism should define compliance standards, establish chain-of-custody procedures for weapons, and monitor illicit activities like tunnel construction, arms production, and financing. It must also include rapid channels for investigating incidents, resolving disputes, and responding to violations. Furthermore, the process must include provisions for reintegration and civilian recovery, offering a viable path away from armed conflict for Hamas members who renounce violence, while ensuring accountability for those responsible for grave crimes.

“

Benchmarks must therefore matter more than dates.