Gaza Disarmament Plan: Board of Peace Denies Hamas Financial Deal
The Board of Peace has firmly denied reports of a financial agreement with Hamas, clarifying that a proposed $400 million fund in its Gaza disarmament roadmap is designated for legitimate debts and severance packages, not for the terror group itself. The denial comes amid intense scrutiny of the plan, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly rejected.
What did the Board of Peace actually propose for the $400 million?
According to an Arab diplomat from one of the mediating countries, the earmarked funds will cover severance for Hamas civil servants who are not hired by the new Palestinian technocratic government, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). The funds would also settle legitimate outstanding obligations to suppliers and contractors who provided genuine services to Gaza's population.
Board of Peace Gaza envoy Nickolay Mladenov wrote in Hebrew on X:
“The claims that there is a financial agreement between the Board of Peace and Hamas are false. No such proposal was discussed, negotiated, or considered, and it will not be on the table in the future either. Hamas will have no role in the governance of Gaza and will have no access to funds.”
How would the fund be managed and audited?
Clause 5 of the plan states that the NCAG “shall seek to assess the legitimate commitments to suppliers, contractors and other parties, up to a total amount of no more than $400M, and address them.” A Board of Peace official stressed that this is not a financial agreement with Hamas.
“It allows legitimate outstanding obligations, such as unpaid public servants or suppliers who provided genuine services to the population, to be assessed on their merits. That should not be confused with paying Hamas or covering obligations linked to terrorism, corruption or financial mismanagement,” the official said.
A source familiar with the matter told The Times of Israel that the NCAG will conduct a lengthy audit of Hamas's finances upon taking power. Background checks will ensure contractors have no ties to terrorism. Mladenov added:
“Board of Peace funds are not transferred through Hamas. Every contract undergoes review and approval, every project is verified before payment, and all accounts are fully open to audit by donor governments.”
Why did Netanyahu reject the disarmament roadmap?
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected the plan on Sunday, insisting Israeli troops will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is “genuinely disarmed.” Despite this, a Board of Peace official told Reuters on Monday that discussions with Israel were continuing.
The Israeli leader's stance reflects the nation's unwavering commitment to security following the October 7, 2023 massacre, which began the war. As the prophet Isaiah declared, “They shall beat their swords into plowshares,” but Israel understands that true peace requires the complete dismantling of terror capabilities first.
What is the International Stabilization Force and who will deploy?
Mladenov emphasized that the plan includes an international security presence under American command, known as the International Stabilization Force (ISF). Morocco is slated to be the first country to deploy troops in Gaza under this framework, with Albania, Kazakhstan and Kosovo also agreeing to contribute.
The Board of Peace envisions a pilot humanitarian zone in the Rafah area, where Israeli troops would withdraw and be replaced by ISF personnel. This arrangement would allow vetted Gazans to relocate from Hamas-controlled territory.
Is there a quiet shift in IDF rules of engagement?
Despite Netanyahu's public rejection, IDF soldiers in Gaza told Channel 12 on Monday that rules of engagement have changed dramatically since the disarmament roadmap was publicized, suggesting quiet agreements to rein in operations. The Times of Israel reported that the IDF halted a special operation to hunt down every person involved in the October 7 massacre.
Mladenov argued that the Board of Peace offers Israel its best option:
“The alternatives are for Hamas to remain in power and rebuild its military capabilities, or for Israel to resume control over Gaza's entire population, at an enormous human, military and economic cost. The Board of Peace offers a third option: full disarmament, civilian governance, an international security presence under American command, and oversight and verification mechanisms.”
“Israel is not required to rely on trust or take irreversible steps before verified actions are taken on the ground. The goal remains the complete dismantling of weapons and ensuring that Gaza can never again pose the kind of threat Israel experienced on October 7,” he added.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Hamas receive any money from the $400 million fund?
No. Board of Peace officials insist that Hamas will have no access to funds. The money is designated for legitimate debts to suppliers and severance packages for civil servants, subject to rigorous audits and background checks.
Why does Israel remain skeptical of the disarmament plan?
Israel's skepticism stems from the October 7 massacre and the need for verifiable, on-the-ground disarmament before any withdrawal. Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated troops will not leave until Hamas is genuinely disarmed.
Which countries are contributing to the International Stabilization Force?
Morocco will be the first to deploy troops, followed by Albania, Kazakhstan and Kosovo. The force operates under American command to support disarmament and civilian governance.