Hamas is seeking to incorporate its 10,000 police officers into a new U.S.-backed Palestinian administration for Gaza, sources say, a demand likely to be opposed by Israel as the militant group debates whether to surrender its arms.

It was not immediately clear whether Israel, which has adamantly rejected any Hamas involvement in Gaza's future, would agree to the civil and security workers' inclusion in the NCAG, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.

A U.S. official said on Tuesday that Hamas fighters would be granted some sort of amnesty. 

The militant group is still believed to possess rockets, which several diplomats estimated to number in the hundreds. It is also estimated to possess thousands of light weapons, including rifles. 

Hamas police officers stand guard, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City, October 11, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer

"Hamas has spoken about the possibility of neutralising arms, which could be achieved if there is a truce, and it is ready for a long-term ceasefire — five years or a little longer," a Palestinian official said.

"But Hamas strongly believes that a serious political negotiation process must begin on Palestinian statehood, whereby weapons and fighters would come under the authority of the State of Palestine," the official said. 

Exclusive-Hamas seeks role for its police in Gaza ahead of disarmament talks, sources say

Hamas is ready for a "complete transfer of governance" to a technocratic committee in the Gaza Strip, a spokesman for the militant group told AFP on Wednesday, adding that the critical Rafah border crossing with Egypt must be opened in both directions, "without any Israeli obstacles".

Hamas spokesman Qassem added that the Rafah crossing "must be opened in both directions, with full freedom of exit and entry to the Gaza Strip, without any Israeli obstacles".

Rafah is Gaza's only gateway to the outside world that does not lead to Israel and is a key entry point for both people and goods.

Though Hamas said the return of Gvili's body showed its commitment to the ceasefire deal, it has so far not surrendered its weapons. The group has repeatedly said disarmament is a red line, but it has also suggested it would be open to handing over its weapons to a Palestinian governing authority.

Hamas says ready to transfer Gaza governance to Palestinian technocratic committee

Neither Israel nor Hamas have committed to a clear date or strategy for withdrawal or disarmament.

Hamas desires to be part of the police force. What could possibly go wrong?

Israel air strikes Gaza City police station

Israel carried out its heaviest air strikes in Gaza in weeks on Saturday (January 31) killing 26 people according to local health authorities, in attacks on a police station and on apartments and tents in an area sheltering displaced Palestinians.

Israel air strikes Gaza City police station | Watch