Deal Reached for Hamas Disarmament and Israeli Withdrawal from Gaza

In Gaza City, Palestinians are salvaging their belongings from the rubble of buildings and tents hit in recent Israeli airstrikes. Amidst this devastation, President Donald Trump announced a deal aimed at achieving disarmament for Hamas and Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. However, numerous obstacles remain before the conflict in the Palestinian territory can be resolved.

The announcement comes nine months after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was signed, but both Hamas and Israel have not yet indicated any agreement to the terms. Negotiations have been stalled over disarmament measures for Hamas and the reconstruction of Gaza. Trump detailed that the agreement would proceed in structured phases, with Israeli forces withdrawing as disarmament progresses. An international stabilization force, along with a new Palestinian police force, will ensure Gaza’s safety.

Under Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan, Hamas would dismantle its weapons arsenal and tunnel networks. This plan anticipates a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian government, deployment of international forces, and the rebuilding of Gaza’s infrastructure.

The situation remains precarious, with U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran, a Hamas ally, adding complexity. While optimistically described by U.S. officials, the timeline for disarmament of Hamas and other groups remains uncertain. The agreement envisions the Gaza police force surrendering weapons to a technocratic administration within two weeks, although this does not involve most Hamas militants or their heavy weaponry.

The process of surrendering heavy weapons and decommissioning Hamas infrastructure could require 200 to 350 days. Despite being consulted, Israel remains skeptical about Hamas disarming or relinquishing control over Gaza. A U.S. official emphasized that Israel would not need to do more than previously committed, which includes withdrawing forces and ceasing airstrikes.

U.S. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently met but did not disclose details about their discussions. Iran’s influence adds uncertainty, having advised Hamas against the deal while being unable to provide substantial support due to its own conflicts.

Hamas has long stood by its charter advocating armed resistance, reluctant to relinquish its weapons. Nonetheless, earlier this month, the group announced the dissolution of its Gaza government, initiating a transfer of power to a UN-backed technical committee as part of the ceasefire terms.

The war in Gaza originated from the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages. Israel’s counteroffensive has led to the deaths of over 73,000 Palestinians, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry. The Israeli military now controls over half of Gaza, with Palestinians confined to challenging living conditions.