US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday an agreement for the "complete disarmament" of Hamas, describing it as a crucial step towards a new Palestinian government in Gaza. Trump stated in a social media post that this agreement would lead to Gaza being governed by a new Palestinian government working with the Board of Peace, and would provide Israel with security by preventing Gaza from being used for terror attacks.
However, there has been no immediate statement from Hamas or Israel regarding the alleged agreement. The Israeli embassy in Washington and Hamas did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Trump's post.
Sources close to the talks had indicated progress earlier on Thursday, but uncertainty remains over whether the agreement will hold. An Israeli official had previously stated that proposed terms were not satisfactory, demanding the complete disarmament and demilitarisation of Gaza as a precondition for any process.
Hamas leaders are reportedly engaged in discussions with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey on the second phase of Trump's Gaza plan, as presented by his Board of Peace. A Hamas official said the group was preparing a "positive and good" response, but did not confirm agreement to full disarmament, which has been a key sticking point for four months. Hamas seeks a commitment from Israel to end attacks on Gaza and withdraw its forces.
A diplomat involved in the talks described a roadmap under discussion in Cairo that would transfer authority in phases to the US-backed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), based on the principle of "one authority, one law, one weapon." This plan reportedly includes the elimination of tunnels, arms stockpiles, and weapons production facilities, aiming for no remaining militant infrastructure in Gaza. The diplomat characterised this roadmap as being based on reciprocal steps rather than trust.
Despite these reported discussions, the situation on the ground in Gaza remains distant from this roadmap. Israeli strikes on Thursday killed at least six Palestinians, including two children, according to local medics. The Israeli military has continued to expand its occupation of Gaza, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating an intention to expand the area under Israeli control to 70% of the territory. It is unclear how many forces would be available for a planned International Stabilisation Force, or if Israeli troops would withdraw.