US tells UN: Gaza demilitarization to include internationally funded buyback program

The demilitarization of Gaza will include decommissioning weapons through an agreed process "supported by an internationally funded buyback" program, the United States told the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday.

Hamas retains control of just under half of Gaza following an October cease-fire deal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement ties further Israeli troop withdrawals to Hamas giving up its weapons.

The United States — along with the 26 countries who have so far joined Trump's so-called "Board of Peace" and in consultation with the Palestinian National Committee that it oversees — will apply pressure on Hamas to disarm, according to the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz.

"Hamas must not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly or indirectly, in any form, period," he told the 15-member council.

"International, independent monitors will supervise a process of demilitarization of Gaza to include placing weapons permanently beyond use through an agreed process of decommissioning and supported by an internationally funded buyback and reintegration program," he added.

His comments reflect point 13 of Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan.

When asked for more detail on the independent monitoring and proposed buyback program, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said: "Discussions on implementation of phase 2, including demilitarization, are ongoing."

Hamas recently agreed to discuss disarmament with other Palestinian factions and with mediators, sources have said. However, two Hamas officials told Reuters that neither Washington nor the mediators had presented the group with any detailed or concrete disarmament proposal.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Monday Washington believes disarmament by Hamas militants would come with some sort of amnesty for the group.

International force for Gaza

The Security Council in November mandated Trump's "Board of Peace" through 2027 and solely focused on the Gaza Strip. Russia and China abstained, complaining the U.S.-drafted resolution did not give the United Nations a clear role in Gaza's future.

The resolution described the board as a transitional administration "that will set the framework and coordinate funding for the redevelopment of Gaza" under Trump's peace plan until the Palestinian Authority has satisfactorily reformed. It also authorized the board to deploy a temporary International Stabilization Force in Gaza.

"We salute and thank our friends who have agreed to contribute to the International Stabilization Force," Waltz said. The United States has not yet announced which countries have agreed to contribute.

"The ISF will begin to establish control and stability, so that the Israeli Defense Forces can withdraw from Gaza based on standards, milestones and time frames linked to demilitarization," said Waltz.

He added that these would be agreed upon by the Israeli military, the ISF and the guarantors for the ceasefire agreement — the United States, Egypt and Qatar.