U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the Board of Peace, which he chairs, has reached an agreement with Hamas for the complete disarmament of terror groups controlling the Gaza Strip.
Trump characterized the pact as a "major milestone in the implementation" Of his 20-point plan to end the Israel-Hamas war and begin recovery efforts in the enclave. The agreement will unfold in phases as the Israel Defense Forces withdraw alongside disarmament progress. An international stabilization force operating under the Board of Peace will work with a newly-formed Palestinian police force to maintain security.
Trump credited Egypt, Qatar and Turkey with helping mediate the agreement. "This agreement is a critical step towards Gaza finally being governed by a new Palestinian government that will work closely with the Board of Peace to help the Palestinian people," Trump wrote. "At the same time, Israel will have the security it deserves."
Israel has not publicly responded, though officials expressed skepticism that Hamas will comply. Hamas made no official statement, though two senior officials anonymously confirmed the deal to AFP. A U.S. Official said Iran attempted unsuccessfully to discourage Hamas from accepting.
Officials acknowledged on a call with reporters that no trust exists between Israel and Hamas. The proposal operates on a "zero trust" Basis "with every step verified," They said.
A negotiating official stated disarmament would occur over weeks, cautioning against fixating on timelines. "Implementing the agreement will take time," The official said, criticizing nonprofits and terrorists profiting from enclave suffering. Once disarmament concludes, "the technocratic government will have a monopoly on weapons in the Gaza Strip," The official added.
Talks previously stalled multiple times following an October ceasefire after two years of war. A U.S. Official expressed confidence Israel would meet its obligations as Hamas and other Palestinian groups transfer civil and security responsibilities to the transitional technocratic government.