Bowen: Plan for Hamas to disarm faces big obstacles, yet it offers rare hope for Gaza - BBC News

The realities of politics, war, zero trust, the deaths of thousands and the destruction of Gaza will make any agreement very complicated.

Image source, GettyByJeremy BowenInternational editor Published31 July 2026There are many reasons why it might not work.

At the same time, it is potentially a rare chink of light in a bleak picture. Hamas has never agreed to disarm before now. Handled carefully and well, there is a chance now to make diplomatic progress.

A bargain lies at the heart of the new proposition for Hamas to disarm in Gaza.

The idea is that as Hamas hands over its weapons, Israel pulls out of the 70% of Gaza that it occupies.

That may sound simple, but the realities of politics, war, zero trust, the deaths of thousands and the destruction of Gaza make the process very complicated.