Trump announces deal for Hamas disarmament in Gaza

U.S. President Donald Trump announced what he described as an agreement for the "complete disarmament" of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, hailing it as a "monumental step" toward lasting peace and security. The declaration was made on Trump's social media platform, Truth Social.

However, the announcement lacked specific details regarding the agreement, including a timeline for the disarmament process. It remains unclear whether Hamas or Israel have formally consented to the terms. This development comes amidst ongoing fragile ceasefires and continued violence in the region.

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complete disarmament

Separately, the UN Human Rights Office condemned recent Israeli military actions in Gaza, reporting that dozens of Palestinians, including many children and women, were killed or injured in attacks on residential buildings and a displaced persons' camp. A spokesperson noted that nine months after a ceasefire was announced, Gazans still lack a safe place. Israel asserts its operations are defensive, targeting terrorists, and claims 1,100 people have died since the October ceasefire, though the UN has verified 685 cases so far.

In other related news, Khalil al-Haya was announced as the new leader of Hamas, following an internal election. Al-Haya had been part of the five-member leadership council that guided the organization since the October 2024 killing of Yahya Sinwar. He also serves as a negotiator for a permanent peace settlement in Gaza. Despite a declared ceasefire, reports indicate continued casualties from Israeli airstrikes, with a recent incident in Deir al-Balah resulting in four deaths, including a child and his parents, according to Palestinian officials. The Israeli military confirmed an attack targeting a Hamas fighter in the area.

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a monumental step