Hamas Agrees to Disarm Under Trump Plan, Awaits Israel's Response

Hamas says it has agreed in principle to a United States-backed peace proposal announced by President Donald Trump that would see the group disarm as part of a broader plan to end the war in Gaza. However, implementation of the agreement remains uncertain as Israel has yet to formally endorse the proposal, leaving key aspects of the deal unresolved.

Under the proposed framework, Hamas would gradually surrender its weapons to a new Palestinian technocratic governing body, while Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza in phases. The plan also includes the establishment of a transitional administration, expanded humanitarian assistance and international oversight aimed at stabilising the territory after months of conflict.

Despite announcing its acceptance, Hamas stressed that disarmament is conditional on Israel first fulfilling its obligations under the agreement. Senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad said Israel must halt military operations, withdraw its forces from Gaza and allow increased humanitarian aid before the group begins handing over its weapons.

Israel has not officially responded to the proposal. However, an Israeli official indicated that the plan does not adequately address the country's demand for the complete demilitarisation of Gaza and that Israel is unlikely to withdraw its forces before Hamas fully disarms. The differing positions have raised doubts about whether the agreement can be implemented in its current form.

The proposal has been described by President Trump as a significant opportunity to end the conflict, but analysts caution that major obstacles remain. The sequencing of disarmament, Israeli withdrawal and the establishment of a new governing authority will require further negotiations before any lasting ceasefire can take effect.