Trump announces Hamas disarmament agreement under Gaza peace plan

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a historic agreement for the "complete disarmament of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza" as part of a broader peace plan, according to multiple international outlets. The announcement, made via social media, claims the Board of Peace — a multinational organization established under Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace framework — has secured Hamas’s commitment to relinquish its weapons. However, conflicting reports from Hamas officials and Israeli authorities highlight significant unresolved tensions and uncertainties surrounding the deal.

The agreement, described by Trump as a "monumental step toward lasting peace and security," centers on a phased disarmament process that would precede Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. According to the Board of Peace, Hamas has officially accepted a "detailed roadmap" for implementing the next stages of the Gaza ceasefire. The plan, unveiled in October 2023, led to a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas, which has since been repeatedly violated. The Board of Peace statement emphasized that the agreement marks the first time Hamas has "committed to an actionable plan for relinquishing all its weapons," a claim disputed by Hamas representatives.

A senior Hamas official, Ghazi Hamad, told Al Jazeera that the group would not take "any steps toward disarmament" until Israel withdraws from Gaza. Hamad stated that the disarmament process would be managed by a Palestinian national committee, not Israel, and that Hamas would only comply "for the sake of our people in the Gaza Strip." This stance directly contradicts reports from the BBC and aol.com, which cited a Hamas official telling the BBC that the group had agreed to completely disarm. The discrepancy underscores the lack of consensus on the agreement’s terms and implementation.

Israel’s response remains unclear. While U.S. officials expressed confidence that Israel would "adhere to" the agreement, no official statement from Israeli leaders has been released. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously opposed a permanent Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, advocating for control over 70% of the territory. Israeli officials have also questioned the agreement’s viability, with one source calling it insufficient to meet Israel’s demands for "complete disarmament" and "demilitarization" of the enclave. The Israeli military continued its operations in Gaza, with reports of strikes killing at least six Palestinians on the day of the announcement.

The Board of Peace’s statement highlighted the agreement’s focus on establishing a "new Palestinian government" to govern Gaza, alongside the deployment of an international stabilization force to ensure security. It also outlined plans for the dismantling of Hamas’s tunnel network and weapons infrastructure, though no timeline was provided. A U.S. official estimated the disarmament process could take between 200 and 350 days, while a Board of Peace official suggested the Gaza police force would hand over weapons to a technocratic administration within two weeks. However, the plan’s feasibility faces skepticism, particularly given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 73,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began and 90% of the population is displaced.

Trump’s announcement has drawn mixed reactions. While the Board of Peace and U.S. officials framed it as a breakthrough, Hamas and Israeli officials have raised doubts. The agreement’s success hinges on Israel’s willingness to withdraw and Hamas’s commitment to disarm, both of which remain uncertain. Meanwhile, the Board of Peace’s role as a U.S.-led entity has drawn scrutiny, with critics questioning its authority to dictate terms without broader international consensus.

The conflict’s trajectory remains volatile, with continued violence and political posturing. As the world watches, the agreement’s fate will depend on whether Hamas and Israel can bridge their differences, and whether the U.S.-backed framework can translate into tangible progress amid deepening divisions.