U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the Board of Peace reached a "historic agreement" for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza. The deal, part of Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza, outlines a phased process where Hamas will relinquish its weapons, followed by the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the establishment of a new Palestinian government.
Core Facts and Immediate Action
The agreement, negotiated with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, includes provisions for the inventorying and storage of Hamas' weapons under Palestinian supervision. Trump stated that as disarmament progresses, Israeli forces will withdraw, and an International Stabilization Force will collaborate with a new Palestinian police force to ensure security in Gaza.
Deeper Dive and Context
Hamas' Stance and Negotiations
Senior Hamas officials confirmed the agreement, emphasizing that the disarmament process is tied to Israel's withdrawal and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Ghazi Hamad, a member of Hamas' negotiating team, noted that the group is making concessions to alleviate humanitarian suffering in Gaza. However, Hamas insisted on storing weapons under Palestinian oversight rather than handing them over to Israel.
Israeli Response and Skepticism
Israel has yet to officially respond to the agreement. Some Israeli officials have expressed reservations, demanding complete demilitarization of Gaza as a precondition for any deal. Analysts and experts remain skeptical about Hamas' willingness to disarm and Israel's commitment to a full withdrawal, given the history of failed ceasefires and collapsed agreements.
Humanitarian and Political Implications
The deal comes after months of marathon talks and follows a ceasefire declared in October 2025, which ended two years of heavy bombardment in Gaza. The war, which began after Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, has resulted in over 70,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, and 1,200 Israeli deaths. The new agreement aims to address these humanitarian crises and pave the way for a broader political process.
Public Reaction and Challenges
The announcement has met with little public enthusiasm in Gaza, where residents remain deeply skeptical of new political breakthroughs. Many Palestinians are more concerned with ending the war, allowing displaced families to return home, and achieving lasting relief. Confidence in both Hamas and Israel remains low, with previous agreements often breaking down before delivering meaningful improvements.
Mediators and International Support
Trump thanked Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye for their mediation efforts and praised his administration's role in securing the agreement. The deal is seen as a critical step toward establishing a new Palestinian government in Gaza, which would work closely with the Board of Peace to help the Palestinian people and ensure Israel's security.