The US and Israel have rejected a peace proposal from Hamas that would see the Palestinian group disarm in the process of the creation of an independent Palestinian state. 

A senior Palestinian source speaking with Middle East Eye said that Hamas and other Palestinian factions sent the US and Israel the framework of an agreement to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza. The proposal includes the disarmament of Palestinian factions in Gaza in exchange for the granting of political rights for the Palestinian people “within the national framework.”

The senior Palestinian official said that the offer was rejected by the US and Israel. Washington and Tel Aviv are demanding that Hamas disarm before a new government is established in Gaza. 

In October, Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire brokered by President Donald Trump. While Hamas has upheld its commitments under the deal, including the return of all Israeli captives, Israel has refused to end attacks on Gaza or allow sufficient aid to enter the Strip. 

Under that agreement, Hamas said it would be willing to disarm as part of the creation of an independent Palestinian state. However, Israel and the US have changed the demand to require Hamas to give up its arms before the IDF ends the occupation of Gaza. 

Since the start of the ceasefire in October, Israel has killed over 700 Palestinians.