Trump says Hamas agreed to next phase of Gaza peace deal, including disarmament

President Trump announced Thursday evening what he described as a "HISTORIC agreement for the COMPLETE DISARMAMENT of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza." The deal, reached with his international "Board of Peace," reportedly includes Hamas's agreement to decommission its weapons. U.S. and Board of Peace officials confirmed that Hamas communicated its acceptance of the final text of the plan through mediators. This agreement is framed as a "monumental step toward lasting PEACE and SECURITY." Under the proposed terms, Israeli forces would withdraw from parts of Gaza as disarmament is completed. Security in the territory would then be managed by an International Stabilization Force and a new Palestinian police force. "This agreement is a critical step towards Gaza finally being governed by a new Palestinian government that will work closely with the Board of Peace to help the Palestinian people," the president stated. "At the same time, Israel will have the security it deserves, with Gaza no longer used as a base for terror attacks." The negotiations stem from a 20-point peace proposal Trump offered last fall. The conflict began with Hamas's attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in about 250 hostages. Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza has led to over 73,000 deaths, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. Trump's framework initially called for hostage release, a ceasefire, increased aid, and eventual Israeli withdrawal as Hamas disarms. While the initial phase covering hostage release and a ceasefire was implemented in October, issues like Hamas's arms decommissioning and Israeli troop redeployment were deferred. Some hostilities have continued since then. Officials acknowledged the agreement took longer than anticipated due to its complexity, with implementation progress potentially seen in the coming months.

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HISTORIC agreement for the COMPLETE DISARMAMENT of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza.