Story perspectives

Hamas Leadership Elections: Disarmament and Peace Plan at Stake

2/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hamas is holding leadership elections under pressure over its direction and peace with Israel, and the outcome will shape the leader’s stance on disarmament and a U.S.-backed peace plan.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace proposes Gaza reconstruction contingent on Hamas disarming, with $7 billion from nine countries and a 20,000-troop International Stabilization Force from five nations.
Israeli officials remain skeptical about Hamas’s disarmament and the force’s feasibility.

History

Historical Context

Since the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, tensions have persisted in the region, exemplified by Hamas's internal leadership elections in 2017 amid pressures for peace with Israel. The U.S. proposed a $7 billion reconstruction plan, contingent on disarmament, reflecting historical challenges in achieving peace, similar to the struggles faced during the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, which were marred by mutual distrust.

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Story summary

Hamas is holding leadership elections under pressure over its direction and peace with Israel, and the outcome will shape the leader’s stance on disarmament and a U.S.-backed peace plan.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace proposes Gaza reconstruction contingent on Hamas disarming, with $7 billion from nine countries and a 20,000-troop International Stabilization Force from five nations.
Israeli officials remain skeptical about Hamas’s disarmament and the force’s feasibility.

1 / 2