Hamas has reportedly agreed to a landmark deal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza by disarming its armed factions in phases, contingent on Israel withdrawing its forces from the territory. The announcement was made late Thursday by US President Donald Trump, following the finalization of a ceasefire roadmap by the US-led Board of Peace and International Stabilization Force for Gaza, with mediation from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye.
Key Elements of the Agreement
The agreement outlines a phased disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, with Israeli forces withdrawing incrementally as the process advances. Trump described the deal as a “historic agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas,” envisioning a new Palestinian government governing Gaza under international oversight. The plan includes the establishment of a Palestinian National Committee responsible for weapon inventory and storage, supervised by an international verification commission and an International Stabilization Force.
The disarmament will initially focus on heavy weaponry, military production sites, weapons depots, and the tunnel network. The process is designed to be gradual, potentially lasting between 200 and 300 days, with each phase contingent on verified progress and reciprocal Israeli withdrawal.
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Governance and Security Arrangements
Under the roadmap, Gaza’s civil administration would be transferred to a technocratic Palestinian committee operating without Hamas participation, overseen by the Board of Peace—a US-led international body chaired by Trump. The Board includes a Founding Executive Board led by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and other prominent figures such as Jared Kushner and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Security would be maintained by a newly trained Palestinian police force supported by the International Stabilization Force, a multinational contingent expected to number around 5,000 troops. This force will oversee the disarmament process and ensure stability as Israeli troops withdraw.
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Challenges and Skepticism
Despite the announcement, Israel has not publicly accepted the agreement, and Hamas has stated it will not implement any part of the deal unless Israel fulfills its withdrawal obligations. This mutual dependency raises concerns about potential delays or breakdowns in the process.
Experts and analysts express deep skepticism about the deal’s viability. Stephen Zunes, chair of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of San Francisco, highlighted Israel’s history of reinterpreting agreements with US backing, questioning whether the deal will be enforced. The upcoming Israeli general election in October, with far-right parties opposing withdrawal from Gaza, adds political pressure against implementation.
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Furthermore, the presence of other armed groups in Gaza not affiliated with Hamas poses a risk to the agreement’s success. Adam Weinstein from the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft warned that these factions could act as spoilers, complicating verification and disarmament efforts.
Concerns Over the Board of Peace and International Oversight
The Board of Peace’s role and composition have sparked controversy. Established by Trump and referenced in UN Security Council Resolution 2803, the board’s mandate has been criticized by several European countries and Palestinians for potentially sidelining the United Nations and international law. Critics argue that the board’s US-centric control risks undermining Palestinian rights and could serve political interests rather than genuine peace.
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Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh noted fears that the board might extend its influence beyond Gaza, with Trump’s lifetime chairmanship raising questions about accountability and legitimacy. The inclusion of Israel in the process, despite ongoing accusations of war crimes and an ICC arrest warrant for its prime minister, further complicates perceptions of impartiality.
Humanitarian Context and Palestinian Perspectives
The announcement arrives amid ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since the ceasefire began in October 2025, Israeli attacks have killed over 1,100 Palestinians, with continued restrictions on aid and expansion of Israeli military presence within Gaza. Palestinians remain deeply distrustful of Israel’s commitments, given repeated ceasefire violations and the destruction of homes and infrastructure.
Local reports emphasize that the ceasefire has yet to translate into tangible improvements on the ground. Palestinians continue to face daily threats, displacement, and shortages of essential supplies. Many express cautious hope but remain uncertain about when peace and stability will materialize.
Outlook
While the disarmament agreement represents a significant diplomatic development, its success hinges on mutual compliance, effective international oversight, and political will from all parties involved. The complex dynamics of Gaza’s armed factions, Israeli politics, and international interests pose formidable obstacles.
Observers urge caution, noting that previous agreements have faltered amid mistrust and shifting political calculations. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this roadmap can move beyond rhetoric to deliver lasting peace and security for Gaza’s residents.
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