Hamas has approved the latest draft of a roadmap aimed at completing the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, marking a potential breakthrough in negotiations after more than two and a half years of conflict in the enclave.

However, major disputes between Hamas and Israel remain unresolved, particularly over the sequence of key steps, including disarmament, Israel's military withdrawal and Gaza's post-war governance. While Hamas says the transfer of weapons can only take place after Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza, Israel insists that the enclave must be fully demilitarized before any withdrawal.

Analysts caution that Hamas' acceptance of the roadmap does not necessarily indicate a fundamental political shift, but rather reflects its attempt to adapt to the realities of the prolonged conflict. They said the agreement's success will ultimately depend on whether all parties can fulfill their commitments during the implementation process.

Hamas, Israel make contradictory claims

In a statement on Friday, Hamas said it agreed to include discussions on the transfer of heavy weapons within the framework of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, but only on the condition that Israel first ends all forms of military action and withdraws from the Gaza Strip.

According to the statement, the conditions include a complete halt to Israeli military operations, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the entry and assumption of duties by the Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) to handle civil functions, the deployment of international stabilization forces, the dissolution of armed groups and militias established by Israel, the launch of reconstruction efforts and guarantees for Palestinian self-determination and an independent Palestinian state.

Hamas senior official Basem Naim said on the same day that, after intense negotiations, the group had agreed to the latest version of the ceasefire roadmap. He stressed that Israel must fulfill its commitments under the agreement, while mediators and guarantor countries should take responsibility for monitoring and pressuring Israel to comply with the deal and prevent violations.

Israel, however, rejected the proposal, with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir saying the latest Gaza ceasefire roadmap announced by the so-called "Board of Peace" was "unacceptable."

Ben-Gvir argued that a commitment to halt attacks on Hamas members would effectively allow the group to prepare for another assault.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office said a day earlier that the current disarmament plan did not meet Israel's requirements, emphasizing that Israeli forces would only withdraw after Gaza was fully demilitarized. Israeli officials said troops would not pull back from their current positions along the "yellow line" until Hamas achieved "genuine disarmament."

Meanwhile, Israeli military operations in Gaza have continued. The Israel Defense Forces said on Friday that recent airstrikes across Gaza had killed two Hamas officials. The military also said it had carried out dozens of operations in the occupied West Bank over the past week, arresting more than 200 Palestinians.

Implementation remains the biggest challenge

"The proposal does not eliminate the fundamental disagreements between the parties," said Esmat Mansour, a political analyst based in Ramallah. "The most sensitive issues have effectively been postponed to the implementation stage, where they are likely to face their most difficult test."

Beyond the dispute over whether withdrawal or disarmament should come first, analysts say the roadmap faces broader challenges, particularly regarding Gaza's future administration and reconstruction.

Under the proposed arrangement, Hamas would transfer governance responsibilities in Gaza to a Palestinian national committee. Palestinian analyst Akram Atallah said the committee would face major obstacles, including securing broad Palestinian support, rebuilding administrative institutions and obtaining sufficient funding for reconstruction.

Meanwhile, the post-war governance mechanism has also encountered difficulties.

The United States announced the establishment of the "Board of Peace" in January to oversee Gaza's transitional administration, but the initiative has faced setbacks. Several US allies, including France, Norway, New Zealand and Italy, reportedly declined to participate. The board has also struggled to secure reconstruction funding, with reports suggesting it had raised less than $1 billion, far below the previously proposed target of $17 billion. In April, reports emerged that the board had yet to enter Gaza due to funding shortages and other obstacles.

While Hamas' approval of the roadmap represents an important political step, the coming months will determine whether the understandings reached through negotiations can be translated into lasting arrangements on the ground.

Li Zixin, a Middle East expert at the China Institute of International Studies, told China Media Group that the agreement could ultimately fail if it does not clearly define Israel's obligations.

"The US-backed phased approach mainly outlines demands on Hamas, while Israel's responsibilities are not clearly specified," Li said. "During implementation, Hamas may accuse Israel of failing to withdraw troops and blocking reconstruction supplies from entering Gaza, while Israel may accuse Hamas of violating the agreement and carrying out attacks. This could eventually lead to renewed fighting and the collapse of the deal."

"The real measure of success will not be the announcement of an agreement, but the ability of all parties to implement every stage of it in accordance with their commitments," Mansour said. "Only then can the roadmap provide a genuine opportunity for long-term stability in the Gaza Strip."

(With input from Xinhua)