Senior US officials detail plan to disarm Hamas, ensure Oct. 7 'never happens again'

Senior U.S. officials have outlined a comprehensive plan aimed at disarming Hamas and preventing a recurrence of the October 7 attacks, emphasizing a strategic framework and disciplined implementation.

During a press conference, officials stated that discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu's team prioritized hostage release, the return of bodies, and ensuring "this [the October 7 massacre] never happens again." The deal is intended to "really change the game in Gaza." Despite initial significant concerns from Hamas regarding Israel's commitment, "very delicate negotiations" have progressed. U.S. officials highlighted that the proposal differs from previous approaches due to its strategic framework and intensive implementation, noting it has also "unified the Arab world."

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We need to obviously focus on getting the hostages released. We need to get the the bodies home, and we need to also make sure that this [the October 7 massacre] never happens again.

Key regional partners, including Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt, have been essential in maintaining the ceasefire and building trust. "There was a lot of criticism, particularly from Israel, when Turkey and Qatar joined the Board of Peace, but they, along with Egypt, have been essential partners in keeping the ceasefire together," a senior U.S. official said. This cooperation provides "a pathway to continue building trust in a place where there is no trust in order to move forward."

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There was a lot of criticism, particularly from Israel, when Turkey and Qatar joined the Board of Peace, but they, along with Egypt, have been essential partners in keeping the ceasefire together.

A senior official from the Board of Peace (BoP) praised the agreement as a "breakthrough," underscoring the cooperation of Middle Eastern countries. "We consulted with all the countries of the region, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the Emirates, and others," the official added. "They all helped us, from their perspective, understand the Gaza issue, and the entire implementation of this agreement is a regional effort."

The plan introduces the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a Palestinian-led government designed as a technocratic, apolitical alternative to the Palestinian Authority. The goal is to prevent Hamas from regenerating and to transition Gaza away from aid dependency towards economic development, job training, education, and essential services. The BoP aims to hold Israel accountable to its commitments, acting as a "fair broker" to offer Gazans "a chance at having a good life there."

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We consulted with all the countries of the region, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the Emirates, and others. They all helped us, from their perspective, understand the Gaza issue, and the entire implementation of this agreement is a regional effort.