Former President Donald Trump announced Thursday that an agreement has been reached for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, a development he characterized as a significant step within a broader peace plan initiated last year.
Trump stated on social media that the agreement is crucial for Gaza to be governed by a new Palestinian administration that will cooperate with the multinational Board of Peace. This board was established as part of a 20-point peace initiative that previously led to a cessation of active fighting in Gaza.
"At the same time, Israel will have the security it deserves, with Gaza no longer used as a base for terror attacks," Trump wrote in his post.
Details regarding the disarmament agreement were scarce upon announcement, and neither Israeli officials nor Hamas immediately commented on Trump's statement. However, the Board of Peace issued a statement indicating that Hamas has committed to a detailed roadmap for implementing the next phases of the Gaza ceasefire, calling the agreement a result of months of negotiations.
The board described the roadmap as a "historic breakthrough," marking Hamas's official commitment to a plan for relinquishing its weapons, which is to be followed by an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Trump referred to the agreement as a "major milestone" in the 20-point peace plan and indicated it would be executed in stages. According to his post, as disarmament progresses, Israeli forces are slated to withdraw, and an International Stabilization Force will collaborate with a new Palestinian police force to ensure safety in Gaza.
"Under this agreement, Gaza will finally be in the hands of a new Palestinian government that serves its PEOPLE," Trump said.
He also extended thanks to mediators, including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, for their contributions to the plan. The initial 20-point peace plan, introduced last fall, facilitated a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, leading to an exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began with Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths. The subsequent war, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health, has led to over 70,000 Palestinian fatalities and a significant humanitarian crisis.