Khaberni - A U.S. official said on Monday that the United States believes that disarming the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in the Gaza Strip "will be accompanied by a form of amnesty for the movement," while two senior U.S. administration officials stated that Hamas had been "very cooperative and fulfilled its commitments regarding the handover of the body of the last Israeli prisoner."
Reuters reported that the U.S. official spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, on the occasion of the return of the body of the last Israeli prisoners in Gaza, at a time when Israel and the United States are pressing Hamas to lay down its arms as part of a plan to rebuild Gaza.
The U.S. official indicated that there is a conviction among U.S. officials that Hamas will lay down its arms, adding "we hear many of its members talking about laying down arms. We believe they will do it. If they do not lay down their arms, they are breaking the agreement. We believe that laying down arms will be accompanied by a form of amnesty."
The U.S. official spoke about a "very good program" that Washington has for disarming Hamas.
Under the plan of U.S. President Donald Trump, which consists of 20 points, amnesty will be granted to Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and laying down their arms, once all Israeli prisoners are returned.
The plan also provides for a safe exit for Hamas members wishing to leave Gaza to countries that will receive them.
