Hamas Accepts Disarmament Plan Amid Trump's Peace Initiative
The recent announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a comprehensive disarmament agreement for Hamas and other armed factions in Gaza has garnered significant attention. A senior Hamas official confirmed to the BBC that the group has agreed to the peace council's disarmament plan, with an official statement expected to be released shortly. As of now, Israel has not provided any comments regarding the development.
President Trump underscored that Israel would withdraw from Gaza once the disarmament is completed, characterizing the agreement as a pivotal step towards enabling a new Palestinian government to finally govern Gaza. The second phase of this U.S.-mediated ceasefire plan includes not only the disarmament of Hamas but also the reconstruction of Gaza.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described this moment as crucial in the execution of his twenty-point plan, stating that the implementation of the agreement would occur in carefully organized phases. Upon completion of the disarmament process, Israeli forces would withdraw, and an international stabilization force would collaborate with a new Palestinian police entity to ensure the security of Gaza's residents and their neighbors. Trump also expressed gratitude towards the mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
According to reports from the Egyptian state media, Cairo will host a meeting of the mediators to discuss the second phase of the ceasefire plan. The situation remains delicate, with ongoing discussions about the specifics of the disarmament process.
Details of the Disarmament Agreement
The BBC has obtained a copy of the roadmap, which consists of four pages outlining a phased process linking the disarmament of Hamas to a gradual withdrawal of the Israeli military and the establishment of a new transitional Palestinian authority backed by an international stabilization force. U.S. officials indicated that the plan was designed based on a principle of "mutual distrust," with verification mechanisms ensuring that neither Hamas nor Israel proceeds to the next phase until the other fulfills its commitments.
Initially, smaller armed groups in Gaza will be disarmed before Hamas begins dismantling its military infrastructure, which is likened to a state apparatus, including its network of tunnels, weapon caches, and production facilities. This process is acknowledged to require a significantly longer timeframe. Following the full realization of the roadmap, a new Palestinian authority will assume complete control over the arms within Gaza.
While Israel has yet to comment officially on the plan, an American official indicated that Trump would be "very disappointed" if Israel chose not to withdraw as per the twenty-point plan. The expectation remains that Israel will continue to act as a reliable partner in these negotiations. As reported by bbc.com.
