Trump announces agreement for complete disarmament of Hamas in Gaza Strip

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that a peace council has reached an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip. Hamas officials later confirmed the deal, which is set to be implemented gradually. Following the disarmament process, the Israeli army is expected to withdraw, with security responsibilities shifting to the International Stabilization Forces (ISF) and a newly formed Palestinian police force.

Trump described the disarmament of Hamas as a crucial component of a peace plan that has been in effect since October of the previous year, alongside a ceasefire. He stated that this agreement is a significant step towards Gaza being managed by a new Palestinian government that will collaborate closely with the Peace Council to aid the Palestinian people. Furthermore, he asserted that the deal guarantees Israel the security it deserves, as the Gaza Strip will no longer serve as a base for terrorist attacks.

While the agreement was announced without specific details or a timeline, it represents a major development in the region. Reports indicate that the Israeli army currently controls approximately 70 percent of the Gaza Strip, up from about half at the start of the ceasefire. Trump expressed gratitude to the mediating countries, including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, for their involvement in the negotiations.

A member of the Peace Council, speaking anonymously to Reuters, revealed that Hamas's weapons and those of other armed factions will be handed over to the Palestinian technocratic government. The process will begin with the disarmament of the current Hamas-controlled police force, followed by heavy weaponry. The full timeline is expected to be released within two weeks, and the Israeli army's withdrawal will be gradual and based on an as-yet-undetermined schedule. An unnamed U.S. official noted that President Trump would be disappointed if Israel did not agree to the terms but expressed confidence that Tel Aviv would adhere to the agreed-upon conditions.