Former President Donald Trump announced on social media that the Board of Peace has reached an agreement for the "complete disarmament" of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. He characterized this development as "a critical step towards Gaza finally being governed by a new Palestinian government."
Details regarding the participation of Hamas and Israel in this agreement remain unclear, as neither party has issued public comments. Trump stated that Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza as disarmament is completed.
According to Trump's post on Truth Social, the agreement is a "major milestone in the implementation of the Trump 20-Point Plan" and will be executed in "carefully structured phases." He further explained that "As disarmament is completed, Israeli forces will withdraw, and the International Stabilization Force will work with a new Palestinian police force to take responsibility for Gaza being safe for its residents and its neighbors."
The second phase of a Gaza ceasefire plan, brokered by the U.S., reportedly includes the disarmament of Hamas and the reconstruction of Gaza.
This announcement follows a previous instance in April of this year when Hamas reportedly rejected a disarmament plan proposed by a key figure involved in Trump's Gaza peace initiatives, according to a senior Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations. Earlier this year, reports indicated that the Board of Peace was initially conceived to help end the conflict in Gaza and oversee reconstruction. However, its proposed charter reportedly omits any mention of the Palestinian territory and appears designed to assume functions currently handled by the United Nations.
The ongoing conflict began with Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages taken. Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza has led to over 73,290 deaths, including 21,280 children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in the territory.