Trump Announces Phased Disarmament Agreement with Hamas Amid Israeli Skepticism
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that discussions in Cairo between mediators and Hamas leaders have resulted in a phased disarmament agreement for Gaza. This development is seen as a significant step toward peace in the region, although skepticism remains, particularly from Israeli officials.
Details of the Agreement
In a social media post, Trump declared that the “Board of Peace” had achieved a “HISTORIC agreement for the COMPLETE DISARMAMENT of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza.” He emphasized that the disarmament would occur in phases, describing it as a “monumental step toward lasting PEACE and SECURITY.”
However, a Hamas official characterized the agreement as a draft. Reports indicate that Israeli officials are doubtful that Hamas will comply with the disarmament terms. The Israeli embassy in Washington did not respond to inquiries regarding Trump’s announcement.
A source within Hamas indicated that the draft agreement specifies that heavy weapons would remain under the control of a Palestinian administration and could not be transferred to Israel. Ghazi Hamad, a member of the Hamas negotiating team, stated that no actions regarding disarmament would take place until Israel withdraws its forces from Gaza.
Israeli Concerns and Reactions
A US official expressed that Israel is “very skeptical that Hamas will disarm.” The official conveyed confidence that Hamas would adhere to the agreement but acknowledged that President Trump would be “very, very disappointed” if they did not.
Questions remain about the timeline for the disarmament process. An official from the Board of Peace estimated it could take between 200 to 320 days, although a US official downplayed this projection. An anonymous Israeli official noted that prior to Trump’s announcement, Israel had already rejected a proposal that did not meet its demands for complete disarmament.
Israel insists on the total disarmament of Hamas, including the removal of weapons from Gaza, as a prerequisite for any further negotiations. The official stated that the 15-point document in question did not adequately address these demands.
Ongoing Violence in Gaza
The announcement comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least six Palestinians, including two children. The Israeli military stated that these strikes targeted Hamas.
The ceasefire in Gaza has been frequently violated, with over 1,200 Palestinians, primarily civilians, reported killed by Israeli attacks since the truce began in October. Four Israeli soldiers have also lost their lives during this period, according to health officials in Gaza and Israeli authorities.
Roadmap for Future Governance
Hamas leaders have engaged in discussions with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey regarding the second phase of Trump’s Gaza plan, which aims to end the conflict and rebuild the territory. Trump established the Board of Peace to oversee this initiative, appointing himself as chair and indicating that the board would manage Gaza’s temporary governance.
Nickolay Mladenov, Trump’s envoy for Gaza, stated that the goal is to create a rebuilt Gaza governed by Palestinians and at peace with Israel. However, specific details about the reconstruction plans remain scarce.
The broader plan includes a significant increase in humanitarian aid, governance by a civilian Palestinian administration, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the establishment of an international force to maintain security.
Challenges Ahead
The practical realities on the ground in Gaza appear to diverge significantly from the goals outlined in the agreement. Hamas is demanding that Israel cease its attacks and withdraw its military presence from the region.
Uncertainties persist regarding the status of light or personal weapons and whether Hamas’s new position will be accepted by Israel or the Board of Peace. The plan also calls for the dismantling of tunnels, arms stockpiles, and weapons production facilities, with the expectation that no military infrastructure will remain in Gaza by the end of the process.
A US official characterized the agreement as a “conditions-based deal,” emphasizing that trust is not a factor in this arrangement. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has continued to expand its operations in Gaza, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing intentions to extend Israeli control over 70% of the enclave.
The situation remains fluid, and the potential deployment of an International Stabilization Force raises further questions about the future of Israeli military presence in Gaza.
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Published on 2026-07-31 05:45:00 • By the Editorial Desk
