Gaza Talks Enter New Phase with Hamas Open to Weapons Freeze

A senior Hamas official has indicated the group is willing to discuss freezing or storing its weapons as part of the ongoing ceasefire framework with Israel a potential shift as both sides prepare for a more complex phase of negotiations.

Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, told the Associated Press that the current lull in fighting “must be used seriously and in a comprehensive way,” adding that Hamas is “very open minded” about arrangements to limit its military activity during the truce.

“We can talk about freezing or storing or laying down [weapons], with the Palestinian guarantees, not to use it at all during this ceasefire time or truce,” Naim said. While reiterating Hamas’ belief in the “right to resist,” he emphasized that the group is prepared to consider a weapons freeze as part of a broader process toward Palestinian statehood.

The remarks come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that “the first stage of the Gaza agreement is almost finished,” speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. “We hope soon to move to the second stage, which is more difficult,” Netanyahu said, adding that he would discuss it further with U.S. President Donald Trump later this month.

President Trump echoed that view, telling reporters, “Phase Two is moving along. It is going to happen pretty soon.”

The next stage of talks is expected to tackle the future of Hamas’ military capabilities and Israel’s demand for long-term security arrangements in Gaza. Naim’s comments signal that Hamas may be seeking political alternatives to continued armed conflict, though the group has not renounced its militant ideology.

If confirmed in future negotiations, a Hamas weapons freeze would mark a significant development in the postwar diplomatic landscape potentially opening the door to deeper regional involvement and efforts to reshape Gaza’s governance after the war. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.