Hamas agrees to disarm under Trump plan

Hamas announced Friday it has agreed to a deal that includes handing over its weapons to a Palestinian governing committee and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. This agreement is intended to implement the long-stalled second phase of a Gaza ceasefire plan brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.

“

complete disarmament

Trump hailed the agreement for Hamas's "complete disarmament," calling it a "major milestone." However, Israel has not yet officially commented. A political source told AFP that "there will be no withdrawal whatsoever" from Israeli forces' current lines unless Hamas undergoes genuine disarmament. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir denounced the agreement as "unacceptable," stating it was "tantamount to agreeing to Hamas organising for the next massacre."

The issue of Hamas's weapons has been a significant obstacle to fully implementing the ceasefire deal, which has been in place since October. The Israeli source indicated that the issue of Gaza did not arise in the recent meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. Despite this, Trump asserted that Israel was pleased with the new deal, telling journalists, "We do have an understanding with Israel. Israel’s very happy about it."

“

that there will be no withdrawal whatsoever unless Hamas undergoes a genuine disarmament

Hamas stated it expects mediators and Trump's Board of Peace to ensure Israel complies with the deal's terms, including its withdrawal from Gaza. Ghazi Hamad, a member of Hamas's negotiating team, said the movement was making "concessions for the sake of our people in the Gaza Strip." He clarified that "Israel will not intervene in the issue of disarmament. The National Committee is the body that will undertake this task," referring to the National Committee for Administration of Gaza (NCAG), established under Trump's plan.

“

unacceptable

The agreement calls for an immediate halt to military operations by all sides and the deployment of an International Stabilization Force to separate Israeli troops from NCAG-controlled areas. The Board of Peace confirmed Hamas's agreement to a "detailed Roadmap for implementing the next phases of the Gaza ceasefire," stating, "Our focus now turns to implementation."

“

We do have an understanding with Israel. Israel’s very happy about it.