Trump Reveals Agreement Aimed at Hamas Disarmament
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced on Thursday an agreement for the “complete disarmament” of Hamas, calling it a critical step toward a new Palestinian government in Gaza.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that disarmament would take place in “carefully structured phases.” As that process is completed, Israeli forces will withdraw, and an International Stabilization Force will work with a new Palestinian police force to take responsibility for Gaza, he added.
Hamas has not issued an immediate statement, but sources familiar with talks in Cairo told AFP the group was progressing toward a deal involving the decommissioning of its weapons. A Hamas source confirmed the group is awaiting Israel’s response to amendments submitted to mediators, including changes to articles concerning weapons.
The disarmament issue has been one of the key sticking points in advancing the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that has been in place since October. Despite the ceasefire, violence has continued, with Israeli strikes killing at least four people including two children on Thursday.
An Israeli political source told AFP the proposed deal does not “satisfactorily” address Israeli demands. “Israel demands the complete disarmament of Hamas, including the removal of weapons from Gaza and full demilitarization of the Strip as a precondition for any process,” the source said.
Cairo is set to host a meeting of mediators “soon,” including the United States, Qatar, and Turkiye, to discuss implementing the second phase of the ceasefire plan. The agreement was reached under Trump’s Board of Peace, with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye thanked for their role.
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