Trump Announces Agreement for Hamas Disarmament in Gaza Strip

London, United Kingdom Jul 31, 2026 ALN: U.S. President Donald Trump announced early on Friday that the Board of Peace has reached an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza, which would eventually lead to Israeli forces withdrawing. This announcement comes at a time when the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has seen a significant escalation in violence, particularly in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation has deteriorated sharply over the past few years.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump characterized the agreement as a “major milestone in the implementation of the Trump 20-Point Plan,” a comprehensive strategy he has proposed aimed at ending the long-standing conflict in Gaza. The plan, which has been the subject of much debate and scrutiny, outlines a series of steps intended to foster peace and stability in the region, addressing key issues such as security, governance, and economic development.

Trump stated that the deal would be executed in phases, with Israeli forces withdrawing as disarmament proceeds. This phased approach is significant as it aims to build trust between the parties involved, allowing for a gradual transition to a more stable situation in Gaza. An International Stabilization Force is proposed to collaborate with a new Palestinian police force to secure the enclave, a move that underscores the international community's role in facilitating peace and ensuring security in the region.

In his announcement, Trump expressed gratitude to mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for their roles in facilitating the agreement. These countries have historically played critical roles in mediating between Israel and Hamas, often acting as intermediaries in negotiations aimed at achieving ceasefires or broader peace agreements. Their involvement in this latest agreement highlights the importance of regional actors in addressing the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Despite the optimistic tone of the announcement, the situation on the ground remains precarious. Medics reported that Israeli strikes killed at least six Palestinians in Gaza on Thursday, including two children. Health officials indicated that separate Israeli attacks resulted in the deaths of a woman and three men in the enclave. The Israeli military stated that it targeted Hamas militants, reflecting the ongoing cycle of violence that has characterized the region for decades.

The latest fatalities contribute to a toll of over 1,200 Palestinians, primarily civilians, killed by Israeli attacks since the ceasefire was implemented, according to Gaza health officials. This figure underscores the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where access to basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care has been severely compromised. The ongoing violence and loss of life have drawn international condemnation and calls for a renewed focus on diplomatic solutions to the conflict.

Additionally, four Israeli soldiers have also been killed by militants in Gaza since the October 2025 U.S.-brokered truce took effect, which halted full-scale fighting but has not ended near-daily Israeli strikes. This ongoing violence has raised questions about the effectiveness of ceasefire agreements and the ability of both sides to adhere to commitments made during negotiations.

Earlier, sources close to the negotiations between mediators and Hamas leaders in Cairo indicated that rare progress had been made, although an Israeli official stated that the proposed terms were unsatisfactory. This highlights the complexity of the negotiations, as both sides have differing expectations and demands that must be reconciled for any agreement to be successful.

A Hamas official mentioned that the progress would be contingent on Israel’s response and whether it would allow for a broad accord to be reached. However, the Israeli official, who requested anonymity, stated that Israel had rejected a proposal, emphasizing the ongoing tensions and mistrust that continue to complicate the peace process.

“Israel demands the complete disarmament of Hamas, including the removal of weapons from Gaza and the complete demilitarization of the strip as a precondition for any process,” the official said. This statement reflects Israel's long-standing position regarding Hamas, which it views as a terrorist organization responsible for numerous attacks against Israeli citizens. The insistence on disarmament as a precondition underscores the challenges of achieving a lasting peace, as Hamas has historically been resistant to relinquishing its military capabilities.

“The 15-point document in question does not provide a satisfactory response to these demands, and Israel conveyed its objections.” This statement indicates that negotiations are still in a delicate phase, with both sides needing to make concessions for a potential agreement to be reached.

A Hamas official noted that the group was prepared to offer a “positive and good” response but did not confirm whether it would agree to fully disarm—a key sticking point in the negotiations over the past four months. The reluctance of Hamas to fully disarm is rooted in its identity as a resistance movement, which has garnered significant support among Palestinians who view it as a defender against Israeli aggression.

Hamas is seeking a commitment from Israel to cease attacks on Gaza and withdraw its forces. This demand reflects the group's desire for security and stability for the Palestinian population in Gaza, which has been subjected to repeated military operations and blockades that have severely impacted daily life.

Sources close to Hamas indicated that the group was willing to “confine and store” heavy weapons under a Palestinian authority rather than surrender them to Israel. This proposal could be seen as a compromise, allowing Hamas to maintain some level of military capability while also addressing Israeli security concerns. However, it remains unclear what will happen regarding light or personal weapons or whether the new stance from Hamas will be accepted by Israel or the Board of Peace.

The diplomat involved in the talks stated that the roadmap under discussion in Cairo would also see authority transferred in phases to the U.S.-backed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, based on the principle of “one authority, one law, one weapon.” This principle emphasizes the need for a unified governance structure in Gaza, which has been fragmented due to the division between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Establishing a single governing body is seen as essential for effective administration and the rule of law in the territory.

The plan includes the elimination of tunnels, arms stockpiles, and weapons production facilities, with the expectation that by the end of the process, no militant infrastructure will remain in Gaza. This ambitious goal reflects the broader aim of reducing violence and fostering a more peaceful environment for the Palestinian people. However, achieving this outcome will require significant cooperation from all parties involved, as well as sustained international support.

The diplomat described the roadmap as being based on reciprocal steps rather than trust. This approach recognizes the deep-seated mistrust between the parties and seeks to establish a framework for cooperation that does not rely solely on goodwill.

Currently, the reality on the ground in Gaza remains far from this roadmap. The Israeli military has continued to expand its military occupation of the enclave, with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu stating that Israel intends to increase its control over 70 percent of the strip. This expansion of control raises concerns about the feasibility of any peace agreement and the potential for further violence as tensions continue to simmer in the region.

It is still uncertain how many forces would be available to deploy with the planned International Stabilization Force and whether Israeli troops would withdraw from the enclave. The presence of international forces could help to stabilize the situation and provide security, but the effectiveness of such a force would depend on its mandate and the cooperation of local authorities.

In Cairo, two Egyptian sources reported that Hamas had agreed to several contentious points, including the handover of weapons, but had requested changes regarding the definition of the infrastructure to be dismantled, indicating that further discussions are ongoing. These ongoing negotiations highlight the complexity of the situation and the need for continued dialogue to address the myriad issues that have contributed to the conflict. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for the future of Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.