Trump Announces Phased Disarmament Agreement for Hamas Amid Israeli Skepticism
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that negotiations in Cairo between mediators and Hamas leaders have resulted in a phased disarmament agreement concerning Gaza. The announcement has sparked mixed reactions, particularly from Israeli officials who express doubts about Hamas’s commitment to surrendering its weapons.
Details of the Agreement
In a social media post, Trump stated, “Today, the Board of Peace reached 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 significant step toward achieving lasting peace and security in the region.
The agreement aims to pave the way for a new Palestinian government that will collaborate closely with the Board of Peace. Trump asserted that this development would ensure Israel’s security, preventing Gaza from being used as a base for terrorist activities.
However, a Hamas official characterized the deal as merely a draft, and US officials indicated that Israel remains skeptical about the Palestinian group’s willingness to disarm.
Reactions from Hamas and Israel
A source within Hamas revealed that the draft agreement stipulates that heavy weapons would be stored under the control of a Palestinian administration, with restrictions on transferring these weapons to Israel. Ghazi Hamad, a member of the Hamas negotiating team, stated that no actions regarding disarmament would occur until Israel withdraws its forces from Gaza.
A US official noted that Israel is “very skeptical that Hamas will disarm,” but expressed confidence that Hamas would adhere to the agreement. The official added that President Trump would be “very, very disappointed” if Hamas fails to comply.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the timeline for disarmament. An official from the Board of Peace estimated that the process could take between 200 to 320 days, although a US official downplayed this timeline.
An unnamed Israeli official stated that Israel had previously rejected a proposal, insisting on the complete disarmament of Hamas as a prerequisite for any negotiations. The official remarked that the 15-point document did not adequately address Israel’s demands.
Ongoing Violence in Gaza
On the same day as Trump’s announcement, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least six Palestinians in Gaza, including two children. The Israeli military confirmed that its actions targeted Hamas.
The ceasefire in Gaza has been repeatedly 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 engaged in discussions with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey regarding the second phase of Trump’s Gaza plan, as outlined by the Board of Peace. Trump established this board to oversee efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and facilitate the reconstruction of the war-torn territory.
Nickolay Mladenov, Trump’s envoy for Gaza, stated that the goal is to create a rebuilt Gaza governed by Palestinians, fostering peace with Israel and paving the way for a meaningful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, details regarding the reconstruction plans remain scarce.
The proposed plan includes a significant increase in humanitarian aid, governance by a civilian Palestinian administration, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the deployment of an international force to help maintain security.
Challenges Ahead
The practicalities of the agreement present numerous challenges. Hamas demands that Israel cease its attacks on Gaza and withdraw its military presence. It remains uncertain how the agreement will address light or personal weapons and whether the new stance from Hamas will be accepted by Israel or the Board of Peace.
The plan aims to eliminate 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 described the agreement as a “conditions-based deal,” highlighting the lack of trust between the parties involved.
The Israeli military continues to expand its occupation of Gaza, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicating that Israel plans to increase its control to 70% of the enclave. The number of forces available for the proposed International Stabilization Force remains unclear, as does the potential withdrawal of Israeli troops from the area.
Continued Conflict
Health officials reported that separate Israeli strikes on Thursday resulted in the deaths of at least two children, a woman, and three men in Gaza. The Israeli military stated that its operations targeted Hamas.
As the situation remains tense, the ceasefire continues to be fragile, with ongoing violence complicating efforts for peace.
As reported by www.arnnewscentre.ae.
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Published on 2026-07-31 05:45:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk