Trump Announces Hamas Disarmament Deal, Israeli Withdrawal from Gaza

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that an agreement has been reached for the "complete disarmament" of Hamas, describing it as a pivotal step towards establishing a new Palestinian government in Gaza. Senior Hamas officials have confirmed to AFP that the deal encompasses provisions related to the group's weaponry and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

"An agreement has been reached regarding the issue of weapons... Furthermore, an agreement has been reached on a gradual withdrawal of (Israeli forces)" from the strip, a senior Hamas official stated. Israel has not yet issued an immediate statement on the matter.

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An agreement has been reached regarding the issue of weapons...Furthermore, an agreement has been reached on a gradual withdrawal of (Israeli forces) from the strip.

Trump shared the news on his Truth Social platform, declaring that the "Board of Peace" had reached a "HISTORIC agreement for the COMPLETE DISARMAMENT of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza." He characterized this as a "monumental step toward lasting PEACE and SECURITY," adding that the disarmament would occur in "carefully structured phases."

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Today, the Board of Peace reached a HISTORIC agreement for the COMPLETE DISARMAMENT of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza. This is a monumental step toward lasting PEACE and SECURITY.

According to Trump's announcement, following the completion of disarmament, Israeli forces will withdraw. An International Stabilization Force is then expected to collaborate with a newly formed Palestinian police force to ensure the safety of Gaza for its residents and neighboring areas. Trump also extended thanks to mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for their role in the talks.

The issue of Hamas's disarmament has been a significant hurdle in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and the group since October. Despite the existing ceasefire, violence has persisted in Gaza, with health officials reporting at least four deaths, including two children, from Israeli strikes on Thursday. Mediators, including the U.S., Qatar, and Turkey, are reportedly set to convene in Cairo soon to discuss the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan, a roadmap to which Hamas and other Palestinian factions have agreed.

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As disarmament is completed, Israeli forces will withdraw, and the International Stabilization Force will work with a new Palestinian police force to take responsibility for Gaza being safe for its residents and its neighbors.