Trump Announces Deal for Hamas Disarmament in Gaza

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a significant development on Thursday, revealing a deal for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. He described this agreement as a crucial step toward establishing a new Palestinian government in the Gaza Strip.

Senior Hamas officials confirmed to AFP that the agreement reached with Israel encompasses provisions regarding the group's weaponry and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. "An agreement has been reached on the issue of weapons. Furthermore, an agreement has been reached on the phased withdrawal (of Israeli forces) from the Gaza Strip," stated one official.

Trump's announcement came after sources familiar with ongoing mediated negotiations in Cairo indicated that the Palestinian Islamist movement was nearing an accord that would involve the cessation and disarmament of its arms. "Today, the Security Council has reached a historic agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza. This is a major step towards lasting peace and security," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

He elaborated that the disarmament would be implemented in stages according to a carefully planned structure. "When disarmament is complete, the Israeli army will withdraw, and International Stabilization Forces will work with the new Palestinian police force to assume responsibility for ensuring Gaza's security for its residents and its neighbors," he added. Trump also extended his gratitude to the mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. The complex issue of Hamas's disarmament has been a major hurdle in advancing the ceasefire agreement that has been in effect between Israel and Hamas in Gaza since October of the previous year. Despite the ceasefire, violence has persisted in Gaza, with Israeli strikes reportedly killing at least four people, including two children, on Thursday, according to health officials.