US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the Board of Peace has reached an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other armed groups in the Gaza Strip, a development that faces immediate implementation hurdles and sharp political rejection.
Trump Announces Gaza Disarmament Deal Amid Implementation Disputes
According to US President Donald Trump, the parties have entered into a historic agreement to disarm Hamas in phases, paving the way for eventual Israeli force withdrawals and civilian governance under a new Palestinian body. Trump stated on Truth Social that the framework serves as a monumental step toward lasting regional peace, ensuring Israel receives necessary security while Gaza ceases to function as a base for attacks. However, briefings from both sides cited by Bloomberg reveal substantial disputes over execution. Officials indicated that the phased roadmap could take between 200 and 350 days to implement, noting that extensive technical work remains ahead.
Hamas Conditions Heavy Weapons Handover on Israeli Withdrawal
Hamas has stated that handing over its heavy weaponry is conditional on Israel ending hostilities and withdrawing from Gaza. According to Reuters, Hamas official Ghazi Hamad explained that the first step of the phased disarmament requires a commitment from Israel to halt attacks and stop killing Palestinians. Hamad added that once both sides approve the agreement text, Israel must initiate the first phase of the plan. Furthermore, Hamas officials note that weapons will be transferred to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), with Hamad demanding that the new administration and an international force enter the territory to dismantle Israeli-backed militias.
Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir Rejects the Draft Agreement
Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir has rejected the Board of Peace draft agreement, declaring it unacceptable to Israel. Writing on social media, Ben-Gvir asserted that the blood of every Hamas man remains forfeit and argued that halting targeted killings amounts to allowing the group to organize for the next massacre. “The targeted killings in Gaza must continue, encouraging emigration must happen, Israel must win,” Ben-Gvir stated. Meanwhile, Gaza medics reported that at least one Palestinian was killed and several others wounded in an Israeli airstrike hours after Trump announced the disarmament deal.
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The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), authorized by UN Security Council Resolution 2803, has claimed full readiness to assume governance of the strip, citing extensive institutional preparations to restore public services and deliver humanitarian aid.
International Reactions and Regional Escalations
International stakeholders have begun positioning themselves around the newly announced framework. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul welcomed the phased disarmament plan on X, emphasizing that real progress depends on Hamas actually disarming. Wadephul stated that Germany stands ready to support Gaza with humanitarian aid and early recovery, adding that additional crossings should open without delay. Nickolay Mladenov, the High Representative for Gaza on the Board of Peace, noted that the agreement required months of difficult negotiations and stressed that Israeli force withdrawals must move in lockstep with decommissioning.
Concurrently, wider regional tensions persist. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced through Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency that it struck two tankers under US air escort in the Strait of Hormuz after the vessels disregarded warnings. The US military did not immediately comment on the claim regarding the strait, which has remained largely closed to maritime traffic since the war began on February 28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Board of Peace agreement in Gaza?
Announced by US President Donald Trump, the agreement is a phased roadmap aimed at the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups, the transfer of civilian governance to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), and the eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces.
How long will the disarmament process take?
US and Board of Peace officials have outlined an estimated timeline of 200 to 350 days for full implementation, though they caution that technical details require further refinement.
Who will govern Gaza under the new plan?
Day-to-day civilian administration and security functions are slated to be handed over to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), backed by a temporary International Stabilisation Force (ISF).
What are Hamas’s conditions for disarming?
Hamas maintains that surrendering heavy weapons is conditional upon Israel halting hostilities, stopping attacks on Palestinians, and withdrawing its forces from Gaza.