U.S. President Donald Trump and the Gaza Board of Peace, led by Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, announced that Hamas would relinquish its weapons. Israel is expected to withdraw the Israel Defense Forces to a position referred to as the "yellow line," With no announced timetable.
Hamas stated it would comply only after a complete Israeli withdrawal "for the eyes and ears of the world." However, the organization distributed rifles to Palestinian citizens in Gaza this week.
Doron Spielman, spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's office, said there is no intelligence confirming Hamas intends to disarm. "If we redeploy before Hamas is disarmed, it will quickly expand its presence throughout Gaza, rebuild its terrorist structure once again, threaten Israeli communities again and seek to carry out another Oct. 7-style attack."
High Representative in Gaza Nickolay Mladenov stated that "giving up weapons is not negotiable," And spent the past month emphasizing that "you could not build a future with armed groups running around the streets. You cannot deliver reconstruction on every corner."
The Gaza Board of Peace awaits Israel's response. France, Spain and Norway raised concerns about the board's scope, while Germany and Italy declined participation for constitutional reasons. Trump rescinded Canada's invitation after its prime minister rejected his plan regarding Greenland.
Israel has not formally accepted the arrangement. A Hamas spokesman told The Wall Street Journal, "We didn't say disarmament. We didn't say handing over weapons."
Israel points to earlier failed accords - Oslo, Oslo II, the Hebron Accords, the Wye River talks, and the road map to Mideast peace - citing lack of goodwill and trust. Past commitments were violated, and critical deadlines were missed.
Hamas operates in Gaza with near-total control, executing those who fail to comply with its demands and treating Israeli cooperation as a capital offense. Recent incidents included public executions in October and June involving extrajudicial killings.
Israelis remain affected by the October 7 attack, with little willingness to resume peace negotiations based on past experience.