Trump touts ‘historic’ Hamas disarmament, Gaza rebuild deal

In a surprise announcement Thursday evening, President Donald Trump declared that Hamas has agreed to a historic deal to fully disarm and demilitarize the Gaza Strip, a potential turning point in the region. The agreement, brokered by the U.S.-led Board of Peace and mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, would see Hamas decommission its weapons over six to eight months and transfer authority to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). However, Israeli officials and Western diplomats voiced deep skepticism, questioning whether the militant group will follow through on its commitments.

The Terms of the Deal

Under the draft agreement, Hamas must decommission heavy and light weapons and provide detailed maps of its tunnel networks, weapons-production facilities, and arms depots. The weapons will be placed into storage under NCAG control. A new Palestinian police force, composed of thousands of officers vetted by Israel’s Shin Bet security service, will be trained and deployed in areas controlled by the NCAG. Anti-Hamas militias armed by Israel during the war would also be disarmed and dismantled. In exchange, Hamas members will receive amnesty and be permitted to remain in Gaza. Israel would withdraw to the “Yellow Line,” the position where Israeli forces were stationed after last October’s ceasefire, and halt assassinations of Hamas members in Gaza except in cases of imminent threat.

Skepticism and Pressure

Despite Trump’s characterization of the deal as “historic” and “monumental,” Israeli officials remain deeply skeptical, accusing Hamas of using negotiations to preserve its political role. Western diplomats share similar doubts, pointing to the group’s history of broken commitments. Behind the scenes, Qatar, Turkey, and especially Egypt have exerted intense pressure on Hamas to sign, according to sources familiar with the talks. A key figure in the negotiations is an Egyptian intelligence official who has been pushing for the deal for months. Two U.S. officials said Hamas agreed to the terms, but the broader international community is watching warily.

Phased Implementation

The agreement is built on the principle of “one government, one legal system, and one legitimate security authority” in Gaza, Trump wrote on Truth Social. Implementation will be carried out in carefully structured phases. As disarmament is completed, Israeli forces will withdraw, and an International Stabilization Force will work with the new Palestinian police to ensure security. The technocratic NCAG will assume authority over each section of Gaza only after it has been verified as demilitarized. This gradual approach aims to build trust and prevent a security vacuum.

What Comes Next

If implemented, the deal could pave the way for the reconstruction of Gaza and a broader peace plan. Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, which includes economic development and governance reforms, has been stalled for months. The agreement would represent a dramatic breakthrough, but the path forward is fraught with challenges. The coming weeks will test whether Hamas is willing to follow through on its commitments, and whether Israel and the international community will trust the process. For now, the region holds its breath.