Trump Announces Gaza Ceasefire Deal as Hamas Disarmament and Israeli Withdrawal Face Major Challenges

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has announced that an agreement has been reached under which Hamas would disarm and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza. However, many important conditions, long timelines and political challenges still need to be resolved before the war can fully end. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

So far, neither Israel nor Hamas has officially confirmed that they have accepted the agreement.

The announcement comes around nine months after a US-backed ceasefire agreement was signed. Talks between both sides had slowed in recent months because of disagreements over the second phase of the ceasefire, including Hamas’ disarmament and the future rebuilding of Gaza.

Trump Outlines Phased Ceasefire Plan

According to Trump, the agreement will be implemented in carefully planned stages.

Once Hamas completes the disarmament process, Israeli forces are expected to withdraw from Gaza. An international peacekeeping force would then work alongside a newly formed Palestinian police force to maintain security across the territory.

Trump’s proposed 20-point peace plan also includes:

• Hamas giving up its weapons.
• Destruction of Hamas’ tunnel network.
• Withdrawal of Israeli military forces from Gaza.
• Formation of a technocratic Palestinian administration.
• Deployment of an international security force.
• Reconstruction of Gaza after more than two years of conflict.

Hamas Still Faces Difficult Decisions

Hamas has previously stated that the first phase of the ceasefire should be completed before discussing the surrender of its weapons.

The group’s founding principles support armed resistance against Israel, making disarmament a highly sensitive issue. Hamas continues to possess rockets, anti-tank missiles, explosives and other military equipment that have long formed a central part of its military capabilities.

Earlier this month, Hamas announced it had dissolved its governing administration in Gaza and was preparing to transfer civilian authority to a United Nations-backed technical committee as part of the ceasefire arrangements.

Weapons Surrender Could Take Nearly a Year

US officials and representatives from the Board of Peace said implementation of the agreement would happen gradually.

According to officials:

• Gaza’s civilian police force is expected to hand over its weapons within the next two weeks.
• Heavy weapons held by Hamas are not included in that initial transfer.
• The dismantling of Hamas’ military infrastructure, including its extensive tunnel network, could take between 200 and 350 days.

Officials stressed that these timelines remain estimates and depend on continued cooperation between all parties.

Israel Consulted Throughout Negotiations

A US official said Israel had been consulted during every stage of the negotiations.

According to the official, Israel is not being asked to accept any new commitments beyond those already included in Trump’s peace proposal, mainly withdrawing its forces from Gaza and ending military airstrikes once conditions are met.

Israel’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately comment on Trump’s announcement.

Iran’s Role Remains Uncertain

US officials described Iran as an unpredictable factor in the process.

They said Tehran reportedly advised Hamas against accepting the agreement but currently has limited ability to support the group because of its own tensions and conflict with the United States.

Gaza War Continues to Leave Heavy Humanitarian Impact

The current war began after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 people were taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed during the conflict, including those who died after the ceasefire period.

Large parts of Gaza remain heavily damaged, while many Palestinians continue living in overcrowded tent camps and destroyed urban neighbourhoods.

Uncertain Road Ahead

Although Trump’s announcement presents a possible path towards ending the conflict, significant obstacles remain before any agreement can be fully implemented. The success of the plan will depend on whether Hamas agrees to disarm, Israel proceeds with its withdrawal, and international efforts can establish lasting security and support Gaza’s reconstruction.