Trump Announces Hamas Disarmament Agreement

Trump claims a pivotal agreement for Hamas to disarm while Israel withdraws from Gaza, though stark disagreements arise between both parties.

Donald Trump has announced a purported deal for Hamas to disarm and for Israel to withdraw its forces from Gaza, yet responses from both sides show significant disagreements that may hinder progress.

The U.S. President’s Board of Peace describes the agreement as a crucial step towards establishing a new Palestinian government that would collaborate closely with them for the benefit of the Palestinian people. In a social media post, Trump stated, “This agreement is a critical step towards Gaza finally being governed by a new Palestinian government that will work closely with the Board of Peace to help the Palestinian people.” He added that Israel would achieve the security it deserves, as Gaza would cease being a base for terror attacks.

Amid these declarations, a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was implemented last year, yet negotiations surrounding its second phase have been stalled, particularly over Hamas’s disarmament and Gaza’s reconstruction.

The details of Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan indicate a demand for Hamas to surrender its arms and dismantle its extensive network of tunnels, accompanied by a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. This plan also envisions international security forces entering the region to oversee the transition and assist in rebuilding post-conflict.

While senior Hamas officials seem to endorse the proposal, a central contention has arisen: whether Hamas should disarm before or after Israel’s troops depart from Gaza. Ghazi Hamad, a member of Hamas’s negotiation team, stated, “We will not take any action regarding disarmament prior to Israel’s withdrawal from the Strip.” He added that the agreement includes a stipulation for Israel to fulfill its obligations before Hamas proceeds.

On the Israeli front, officials have voiced their objections, suggesting that the proposed terms do not meet their requirements. As relayed by a representative, “Israel demands the complete disarmament of Hamas, including removing weapons and the total demilitarisation of the Strip as a precondition for any process. The current plan does not provide a satisfactory response to these demands, and Israel conveyed its objections.”

Acknowledging these disagreements, a U.S. official indicated that Israel remains skeptical about Hamas’s willingness to disarm. They noted Trump would be “very, very disappointed” if there isn’t adherence to the agreement from Israel’s side.

The issue is particularly sensitive as Hamas’s foundational charter advocates for armed resistance against Israel, making the prospect of disarmament highly contentious. Recently, the militant group declared its intention to dissolve its governing body in Gaza and place power in the hands of a technical committee supported by the United Nations as part of the ceasefire arrangement.

Neither U.S. nor Board of Peace officials provided concrete timelines for Hamas’s disarmament or any other groups operating in Gaza, such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad, though estimates suggest it could take between 200 and 350 days.

On the other side, Hamas is seeking a formal commitment from Israel to halt attacks in Gaza and withdraw its military presence. Team leaders are expected to engage with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey regarding the second phase of Trump’s Gaza initiative soon.

As reported by local medical officials, ongoing Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least six Palestinians in recent days, including two children. The Israeli military has expanded its forces’ presence in Gaza, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicating that Israel aims to increase its control to 70% of the area.

Amidst these tensions, the future remains uncertain, particularly regarding the deployment of the planned International Stabilisation Force and the extent of Israeli troop withdrawal.