Trump Announces Gaza Disarmament Agreement

U.S. President Donald Trump announced an agreement for the complete disarmament of Palestinian militant group Hamas and other armed factions in Gaza, framing it as a major milestone in his 20-point plan to end Israel's war in Gaza (The Guardian, Reuters). The deal would be carried out in phases, with Israeli forces withdrawing as disarmament proceeds and an International Stabilization Force working with a new Palestinian police force to secure the enclave.

Trump expressed gratitude towards mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for their role in facilitating the agreement. He stated that this step is crucial for Gaza to be governed by a new Palestinian government that will collaborate closely with his Board of Peace (The Guardian, Al Jazeera). However, sources close to the talks told Reuters earlier on Thursday that progress was made but it is uncertain if the agreement will hold.

Hamas leaders are reportedly holding talks with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey on the second phase of Trump's Gaza plan. A Hamas official said the group was coming with a 'positive and good' response, but did not confirm whether they had agreed to fully disarm (The Guardian). An Israeli official expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed terms, stating that they do not provide a satisfactory response to Israel's demands for complete disarmament of Hamas.

Meanwhile, Israeli strikes killed at least six Palestinians in Gaza on Thursday, including two children. The Israeli military has continued to expand its occupation of Gaza, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicating intentions to increase control over 70% of the territory (The Guardian, Reuters). It remains unclear how many forces would be available for deployment as part of the planned International Stabilization Force and whether Israeli troops would withdraw from the territory.

Al Jazeera reported that Hamas and other Palestinian factions have agreed to a document setting out a plan for their disarmament in Gaza. The agreement stipulates that a precise disarmament roadmap must be prepared within 14 days, with possible extensions subject to the approval of an international verification body. Ghazi Hamad, a member of Hamas's negotiating delegation, told Al Jazeera that negotiations were difficult but resulted in the best achievable formula.

Hamad emphasized that Hamas would not implement any part of the agreement if Israeli forces failed to fulfill their obligations. The disarmament process is contingent upon Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and progress on reconstruction efforts (Al Jazeera). An unnamed Hamas official was quoted as saying that talks were 'positive' and 'making progress'. However, Palestinian Islamic Jihad expressed reservations about the wording currently being circulated.

Trump framed the disarmament as part of a ceasefire deal he brokered in October to end Israel's war on Gaza. He stated that once disarmament is complete, an International Stabilisation Force would work with a 'new Palestinian police force' (The Guardian, Al Jazeera). The arrangement involves Hamas and other groups disarming sector by sector, followed by the recruitment of more Palestinian police officers working in association with an international coordination force.