All articles tagged with #disarmament
The New START treaty—the last major cap on U.S.–Russia strategic nuclear arsenals—expires, potentially removing verifiable limits on warheads and delivery systems. Lawmakers warn this could spark a dangerous and costly arms race, while negotiators explore a possible extension or a new agreement to preserve some restraint on nuclear forces.
New START, the last US‑Russia nuclear-arms restraint, lapses on Feb 4 with no extension talks underway. Its verification and data-exchange mechanisms would end, potentially enabling larger deployed arsenals on both sides and raising the risk of a renewed arms race; with no immediate successor treaty and trilateral talks with China unlikely, there is a push for a verifiable, multilateral disarmament framework to curb risks.
Ross and Makovsky argue that phase two of the Trump administration's Gaza peace plan hinges on Hamas disarming; a US-backed push by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey would deploy a technocratic Gaza authority, an international stabilization force, and reconstruction, with Israeli withdrawal tied to disarmament. If Hamas does not disarm, Gaza risks remaining divided or returning to war, whereas credible disarmament could unlock reconstruction and a path to Palestinian self-determination.
Israel’s IDF outlined a phased plan to disarm Hamas and run the Rafah border crossing, arguing that simply storing heavy weapons would not slow Hamas and that capturing Kalashnikov rifles is essential. The ISF would not operate in Hamas areas, while a future Palestinian police force could shrink Hamas’ grip; Rafah checks would be conducted in stages with EUBAM handling main border checks and a second IDF check, and exiting Gazans would be photographed rather than physically searched. The IDF kept the option of a new operation if disarmament stalls and Trump blocks it, and suggested security could improve to a “lighter green” if the Palestinian police force succeeds.
Trump told Axios that Hamas helped locate the remains of the last Israeli hostage, Ran Gvili, and urged the group to disarm as phase one of his peace plan concludes with all hostages returned. The recovery clears the way for phase two—Gaza demilitarization and a new security force—while U.S. officials say Hamas cooperated in the search. A limited reopening of the Rafah crossing is planned, and negotiations on disarmament and amnesty are expected soon, though skepticism about Hamas’ willingness to disarm persists and rebuilding hinges on demilitarization.
Lebanon announced the completion of the first phase of its plan to disarm Hezbollah and other militant groups south of the Litani River, with the Lebanese Army claiming operational control of the area, though full disarmament has not been achieved. Israel welcomed the progress but expressed concerns that efforts are insufficient, citing ongoing rearmament and Iranian support for Hezbollah. The situation remains tense, with ongoing efforts and challenges in fully implementing disarmament and maintaining stability.
Lebanon has announced the completion of the first phase of disarmament of Hizbollah, marking a significant step in its security and political landscape.
During a meeting at Mar-a-Lago, Trump expressed support for Israel to take action against Hezbollah and emphasized the need for Hezbollah's complete disarmament, aligning US and Israeli positions and signaling backing for Israeli military action if Lebanon's government fails to disarm Hezbollah.
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized the need for Hamas to disarm quickly, warning of consequences if they fail to do so, as part of the second phase of a Gaza peace plan. The plan's second phase involves Hamas disarmament and governance changes, but progress remains stalled. Trump also discussed support for Israel against Iran and potential pardons for Netanyahu amid ongoing legal issues.
A shooting occurred inside a Walmart in Wilson, North Carolina on Christmas Eve, where customers disarmed and restrained a suspect, leading to his arrest along with another individual; no injuries were reported, and the store remained closed as police investigated.
Egypt and Turkey are cautious about language in a US-drafted UN resolution on Gaza, fearing it could lead to forced disarmament of Hamas. Egypt prefers a focus on weapons decommissioning and negotiations, while Turkey opposes the force acting as an occupation enforcer. The resolution involves an international stabilisation force, with mixed support and concerns over legitimacy and oversight, amid ongoing tensions and negotiations.
The U.S. is exploring a model for disarming Hamas by encouraging militants in Rafah tunnels to surrender and hand over their weapons in exchange for amnesty, aiming to prevent further conflict and potentially expand this approach in Gaza, amid ongoing negotiations involving Israel, Hamas, and mediators like Turkey.
China denied President Trump's claim that it has conducted clandestine nuclear tests, emphasizing its commitment to nuclear non-proliferation, while Trump suggested that China and Russia are testing underground nuclear weapons without public acknowledgment. The U.S. has not ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and there are ongoing debates about the nature of U.S. nuclear testing plans.
Top US diplomat states that Gulf states are willing to invest in Lebanon if Hizbollah disarms, highlighting a potential shift in regional support contingent on disarmament efforts.
The article discusses the potential impact of a nuclear attack on Chicago, as depicted in the Netflix film 'A House of Dynamite,' and explores the real-world challenges of nuclear defense, emphasizing the importance of disarmament and international diplomacy to prevent such catastrophes.