Expert doubts Trump's Gaza disarmament deal

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that his newly formed peace council has secured an agreement for the disarmament of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza. However, experts remain skeptical about the practical implementation of such a deal, suggesting it is far from a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

“

I am skeptical that a tiger would give up its stripes.

Olli Ruohomäki, a visiting senior fellow at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, described Trump's announcement as unsurprising but unlikely to resolve the Gaza war. He expressed doubt about Hamas's willingness to disarm, stating, "I am skeptical that a tiger would give up its stripes." Ruohomäki noted that while Hamas has shown signs of weakening, there are always elements ready to fight to the end.

“

It takes two to tango, and in this case, a few more external parties are needed.

Hamas has indicated a conditional willingness to accept the framework. Ghazi Hamad, a senior Hamas representative, told Reuters that the organization would consider disarming and transferring weapons to a new Gaza administrative committee established by Trump's peace council. However, this would only occur after Israel ceases its attacks, withdraws its troops to pre-October positions, and increases the flow of aid and goods into Gaza.

“

What, for example, is the entity that would take Hamas's weapons?

Sources close to the peace council, speaking anonymously to The Times of Israel, suggested that Israel would not need to withdraw beyond the agreed-upon October line before Hamas begins disarming, leaving Israel in control of over half the territory. The timeline and specifics of Israel's involvement in the negotiations remain unclear, and Israel has not publicly commented on Trump's announcement. Ruohomäki emphasized the need for multiple external parties to facilitate such an agreement, questioning who would take possession of Hamas's weapons and what would become of the disarmed fighters. One possibility mentioned is the Palestinian Authority's police forces, which have received training from the European Union, including Finland.

“

The organization is ready to accept the agreement framework. This will happen only after Israel has stopped its attacks, withdrawn its troops to their October positions, and increased aid and goods access to Gaza.