WASHINGTON ⁣- The administration of former United States President Donald⁤ Trump presented a plan to Israel last ‍week aimed at​ achieving the⁣ voluntary‌ disarmament‍ of Hamas fighters, according to​ a report ​by axios citing US officials.⁣ The proposal centers on leveraging the current standoff with Hamas militants​ trapped in tunnels beneath Rafah,Gaza.

The core idea, as relayed by US officials to Axios, is to use the⁢ situation in rafah as a pilot program for broader disarmament. The plan outlined a scenario where Hamas fighters within the tunnels would surrender their weapons to a designated ‌third party – potentially Egypt, Qatar, or Turkey – in exchange for amnesty‍ from Israel. Following the handover, the fighters ‌would ‌be transferred back‍ to territory controlled⁣ by Hamas, while ‍Israeli⁣ forces would⁣ systematically destroy the tunnel network.

The⁢ initial ⁢offer, presented ⁣last week, provided Hamas fighters in⁢ Rafah with ⁢a 24-hour window for safe passage across a designated “yellow line” ⁤demarcating the control zone. While Hamas initially ​hesitated,they ultimately signaled their agreement. However, Israeli officials subsequently declared the opportunity had expired.

Currently, American‍ officials, ‌reportedly ‌with assistance from turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, are actively working​ to revive the proposal and⁣ facilitate a⁣ resolution.⁤ The effort underscores the Trump administration’s desire to find a peaceful path toward disarming Hamas and stabilizing the region.