Trump says Board of Peace has reached agreement for disarmament of Hamas

President Donald Trump announced that a Board of Peace has reached an agreement for the "complete disarmament" of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. This development is described as a "critical step towards Gaza finally being governed by a new Palestinian government."

The agreement is framed as the second phase of a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire plan, which also encompasses the reconstruction of Gaza. Trump stated on Truth Social that the accord is a "major milestone in the implementation of the Trump 20-Point Plan" and will be executed in structured phases. As disarmament concludes, Israeli forces are expected to withdraw, with an International Stabilization Force working alongside a new Palestinian police force to ensure safety.

Mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey were thanked by Trump. Cairo is slated to host a Gaza mediator meeting concerning the second phase of the ceasefire plan, according to Egyptian state media. Earlier reports from unnamed sources to Reuters indicated progress in talks between mediators and Hamas leaders in Cairo, but an Israeli official deemed the proposed terms unsatisfactory.

Following Trump's announcement, The Times of Israel, citing an unnamed source, reported the agreement was signed by negotiators from Hamas, the board, and mediating countries. However, an "Israeli office" issued a statement asserting the disarmament proposal did not meet Jerusalem's demands. Israeli media had previously reported Israel's opposition to a deal under discussion with Hamas.

Hamas had rejected a disarmament plan from a key figure in Trump's Gaza peace efforts in April. The group recently elected Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader, replacing Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by the Israeli military in October 2024. Hayya has served as Hamas's chief negotiator in indirect ceasefire talks.

The board's proposed charter, which does not mention the Palestinian territory, appears designed to supersede UN functions. Hamas initiated the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza has led to over 73,290 deaths, including 21,280 children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

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This is a major milestone in the implementation of the Trump 20-Point Plan. The agreement will be carried out in carefully structured phases. 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.