Trump announces deal for 'complete disarmament' of Hamas in Gaza

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his online platform that his "Board of Peace" has reached an agreement for the "complete disarmament" of Hamas and all other armed groups in the Gaza Strip. Trump called this a "monumental step" toward lasting peace and security, though Hamas had not yet confirmed the deal.

The agreement is to be implemented in carefully structured phases. Once disarmament is complete, Israeli forces will withdraw. An international stabilization force, working alongside a new Palestinian police force, will then assume responsibility for the territory. Trump stated this is a crucial step for a new Palestinian government to lead Gaza.

Separately, the UN Human Rights Office expressed alarm over new Israeli settlements and calls for collective punishment against Palestinians. Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani urged other states to act decisively to halt the dispossession and killing of Palestinians and to end the Israeli occupation. She cited threats from Israeli politicians to turn the West Bank into a "second Gaza," record construction of illegal settlements, and attacks by Israeli settlers.

In response to a violent clash between settlers and Palestinians, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the accelerated legalization of settlement outposts, many of which are illegal even under Israeli law. The UN Human Rights Office also documented widespread violations by Israeli forces in Lebanon, some of which may constitute war crimes, according to UN High Commissioner Volker Türk. These actions, including airstrikes and artillery shelling in populated areas, have caused significant civilian casualties, widespread destruction, and mass displacement.