The Gaza Strip is slated for complete disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups under a newly brokered agreement announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social. According to two high-level Hamas officials who spoke with AFP, the militant group has agreed to disarm and withdraw from the territory in a concession described by negotiator Ghází Hamáda as a necessary step to protect the Palestinian people from killing and displacement. The disarmament plan, which builds upon the cease-fire framework established in October, sets the stage for a new technocratic Palestinian administration to take over governance.
Disarmament Implementation and Security Transition Timeline
The disarmament process will unfold in stages, starting with the surrender of weapons belonging to the current Hamas-run police force, followed by heavy weaponry. According to a member of the Peace Council whose identity was withheld by Reuters, the entire process will take time, with specific implementation details scheduled for public release within two weeks. Once disarmament is complete, the Israeli military will execute a gradual withdrawal based on a schedule that is not yet completed. Responsibility for internal security will then shift to International Stabilisation Forces (ISF) alongside a newly formed Palestinian police force.
Governance and Regional Mediator Contributions
President Trump credited mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for helping secure the breakthrough. “This agreement is a significant step to finally have Gaza administered by a new Palestinian government that will work closely with the Peace Council to help the Palestinian people,” Trump wrote. The Peace Council, established by Trump in January, will oversee a committee of Palestinian technocrats tasked with managing the enclave. Meanwhile, the Israeli military currently controls approximately 70 percent of the Gaza Strip, an increase from the approximately half of the Gaza Strip it controlled at the start of the October cease-fire.
Did you know? The October cease-fire halted a military campaign that followed the October 7, 2023, attacks led by Hamas and its allies, which resulted in about 1,200 deaths and approximately 250 people taken into the Gaza Strip. Palestinian authorities report that subsequent military operations in the enclave have resulted in the deaths of more than 73,000 people.
Differing Perspectives Among Regional Stakeholders
While negotiations advanced significantly in Cairo through talks between intermediaries and Hamas representatives, reactions from regional capitals remain varied. An unnamed Israeli official told Reuters that the agreed-upon conditions are currently unsatisfactory for Tel Aviv. At the same time, an anonymous American official indicated that while President Trump would be disappointed should Israel reject the accord, the official firmly believes Tel Aviv will ultimately comply with the stipulated terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will govern the Gaza Strip after the disarmament?
A new Palestinian technocratic government will administer the territory, operating under the oversight of the Peace Council established by U.S. President Donald Trump in January.
Who is responsible for security after the Israeli withdrawal?
Security responsibilities will be handed over to International Stabilisation Forces (ISF) working alongside a newly established Palestinian police force.
Which countries mediated the agreement?
Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey served as the primary mediating nations during the negotiations.
What happened to the previous security forces in Gaza?
Under the terms of the agreement, weapons belonging to the current police force controlled by Hamas will be surrendered first, followed by heavy weaponry from other armed factions.
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