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In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian group has reportedly agreed to a comprehensive disarmament plan facilitated by a newly established international body, the Board of Peace, spearheaded by former US President Donald Trump. This decision comes amid a backdrop of tense negotiations aimed at resolving a long-standing crisis in Gaza, which has seen devastating casualties on both sides.
Disarmament Commitment Announced
A senior official from Hamas confirmed to the BBC that the group is poised to comply with the Board of Peace’s directive for complete disarmament in Gaza, with an official announcement expected imminently. The Board of Peace, created under Trump’s initiative, has stated that the agreement marks the culmination of months of “intensive, good faith negotiations.” The focus now shifts to the implementation phase of this ambitious peace effort.
President Trump shared the news via social media, asserting that the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza would proceed concurrently with the disarmament process. He described the agreement as a “critical step towards establishing governance in Gaza under a new Palestinian authority.” The International Stabilization Force, according to Trump, will collaborate with this new police force to ensure safety and security for Gaza’s residents and their neighbours.
Context of the Peace Initiative
The disarmament plan is part of a broader US-brokered ceasefire strategy aimed at halting hostilities and facilitating the reconstruction of Gaza following years of conflict. The original framework, dubbed the Trump 20-Point Plan, was introduced in September 2025 and included the formation of the Board of Peace to oversee its execution and manage funding for Gaza’s redevelopment.
The board comprises several nations, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. However, notable absences include the UK, France, and China, which have expressed reservations regarding the board’s alignment with international law and UN protocols.
The plan’s implementation is built upon a foundation of “zero trust,” meaning that measures will only advance as both Hamas and Israel fulfil their obligations. US officials remain optimistic that Israel will honour its commitments despite its historical scepticism towards Hamas’s willingness to disarm.
Public Sentiment and Skepticism in Gaza
The reception of this agreement in Gaza has been lukewarm, with many Palestinians expressing deep scepticism over the potential for real change. Previous peace agreements have frequently faltered, leaving citizens disillusioned with political processes that have failed to yield tangible improvements. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, the ongoing conflict has resulted in over 1,168 Palestinian deaths due to Israeli airstrikes since a ceasefire was announced in October 2023.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with a reported 73,290 Palestinian casualties, including a tragic toll of 21,280 children, attributed to the extensive military operations conducted by Israel in response to the attacks initiated by Hamas in October 2023.
Future Meetings and Ongoing Negotiations
In light of the recent agreement, Cairo is set to host a meeting of mediators, including representatives from the US, Qatar, and Turkey, to discuss the next steps in the peace process. However, reports suggest that Israeli officials are dissatisfied with the current terms, highlighting ongoing tensions and the fragile nature of the agreement.
Hamas, now led by Khalil al-Hayya following the death of Yahya Sinwar in October 2024, serves as the chief negotiator for the group. The recent developments come in the wake of a complex backdrop where previous negotiations have often led to breakdowns in trust and escalations in violence.
Why it Matters
The agreement for Hamas’s disarmament, if successfully implemented, could signal a pivotal moment in efforts to establish lasting peace in Gaza. It offers a glimmer of hope amidst years of conflict and suffering, but the path forward remains fraught with challenges. The effectiveness of this initiative will depend not only on the cooperation of involved parties but also on addressing the underlying grievances that fuel the ongoing cycle of violence. For many in the region, the stakes could not be higher, as the future of Gaza hangs in the balance.
