Donald Trump announced Thursday that a "historic deal" has been reached to achieve the "complete disarmament" of Hamas in Gaza, a move he described as a "monumental step toward lasting PEACE and SECURITY" in the region. The agreement, facilitated by his "Board of Peace," is intended to end terror attacks on Israel and is part of Trump's broader 20-point plan for the Middle East.
According to a Truth Social post, Trump stated that the agreement will lead to Gaza being governed by a new Palestinian government working with the Board of Peace, while ensuring "Israel will have the security it deserves, with Gaza no longer used as a base for terror attacks." The plan outlines a phased implementation that will eventually lead to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. An International Stabilization Force (ISF) and a new Palestinian police force are slated to work together to ensure safety.
Trump credited mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for their contributions to the deal. "One year ago there was a violent raging war, humanitarian crisis and hostages kept in brutal captivity. We have made historic progress and there is still much work to do," he posted. "CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL ON THIS AMAZING DEVELOPMENT, THAT EVERYBODY SAID COULD NEVER BE ACHIEVED!"
The agreement follows meetings Trump held with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Earlier in July, Hamas dissolved its government in Gaza and began preparing to transfer power to a UN-backed technical committee as part of the process.
Trump initially outlined his plan to end the conflict in October 2023, following the Hamas attack. His proposal includes an immediate ceasefire and the end of hostilities upon agreement by both sides, timed with the release of hostages. Under the plan, existing battle lines would be frozen, Hamas would lay down its arms, and its offensive weaponry would be destroyed. Large-scale aid would be immediately sent to the Gaza Strip.
Key provisions of the plan include the deployment of a temporary international stabilization force and the creation of a transitional authority led by Trump. Hamas militants would be required to fully disarm and would be excluded from future governance roles, though those who agree to peaceful coexistence could receive amnesty. Following an Israeli withdrawal, Gaza's borders would open for aid and investment. The plan emphasizes that Palestinians will not be forced to leave Gaza, and efforts will be made to encourage residents to stay and rebuild.
The proposed Palestinian police force would be recruited nationally and professionally vetted to maintain public order. The multinational ISF would be responsible for securing borders, preventing weapons smuggling, deterring militant resurgence, and protecting reconstruction efforts. The plan also details a prisoner exchange: once all hostages are returned, Israel would release 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Palestinians detained after October 7, 2023, along with the remains of Palestinians for deceased Israeli hostages.
The October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas-led militants resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel and the taking of 251 hostages. Gaza's Health Ministry reports that Israel's subsequent offensive in Gaza has led to 73,098 Palestinian fatalities, with women and children comprising roughly half of the casualties. The ministry's figures are generally viewed as reliable by UN agencies and independent experts.
The plan also includes provisions for interfaith dialogue to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence. It suggests that as Gaza's redevelopment advances and the Palestinian Authority undergoes reform, conditions may be created for a pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood. The United States would establish a dialogue between Israel and Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful coexistence.