On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced that a deal had been reached for Hamas to disarm and for Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza. However, the agreement was met with delay and skepticism, as neither Israel nor Hamas immediately confirmed their agreement. This development comes nine months after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
Trump stated on social media that the agreement’s implementation would occur in phased steps. Once Hamas disarms, Israeli forces would withdraw, allowing the International Stabilization Force to collaborate with a new Palestinian police force in ensuring Gaza’s security.
Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan demands that Hamas surrender its weapons and eliminate its tunnel network. The plan also requires the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian government, deployment of an international security force, and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
The timing of the announcement coincides with escalating military tensions, as the U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran, a primary sponsor of Hamas, in February. Officials described the agreement optimistically, though they were unable to provide specific timelines for disarmament.
Israel, which has been cautious about Hamas’s willingness to disarm and relinquish control, has been consulted throughout the negotiations. Despite this, no specific response has come from Israel regarding the new agreement. U.S. officials have emphasized that Israel’s role aligns with its prior commitments, which include withdrawing forces from Gaza and halting airstrikes.
Meanwhile, Hamas remains hesitant to part with its arsenal, which includes rockets and anti-tank missiles. Despite this, Hamas announced its intention to dissolve its government in Gaza, preparing to hand over control to a UN-backed committee aligned with the ceasefire deal.
The conflict’s origins trace back to a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and resulting in 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory operations in Gaza have resulted in over 73,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Currently, Israel controls more than half of Gaza, confining Palestinians to crowded tent camps and devastated neighborhoods.
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