US President Donald Trump announced on social media that the Gaza Peace Board had reached a historic deal for the full disarmament of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza.
Withdrawal and international force outlined
“As disarmament is completed, Israeli forces will withdraw and an International Stability Force will work with a new Palestinian police force to ensure Gaza is safe for its residents and neighbors,” Trump stated. He described the agreement as a critical step toward a new Palestinian government governing Gaza, emphasizing its historic importance for lasting peace in the Middle East. The president thanked Turkey, Qatar and Egypt for their mediation roles, adding, “We made historic progress and there is still much work to be done.”
Hamas demands Israeli compliance first
Hamas negotiator Gazi Hamad told Al Jazeera that his group would not take any steps on disarmament until Israel fully meets its commitments under the deal. “The weapon issue cannot be dealt with in isolation,” he said, tying it directly to Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and reconstruction. Hamad accused Israel of committing around 3,500 violations during the first phase of the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement and called the state “treacherous and founded on killing,” stressing it did not abide by past deals.
Peace envoy confirms agreement, cautions on progress
Gaza Peace Board High Representative Nickolay Mladenov confirmed that an agreement had been reached on disarmament and civilian passage. He said months of intense negotiations preceded the deal, with moments he believed they would fail. Mladenov insisted Israeli withdrawal must advance simultaneously with disarmament, and that the Gaza Administration National Committee (NCAG) as well as the Palestinian people need political and practical support. He expressed gratitude to Trump for leadership and to Turkey, the US, Egypt, Qatar and the UAE for their backing during deadlocks. The envoy also highlighted UN Security Council Resolution 2803, saying it must be fully implemented, and pointed to a “political horizon” for a rebuilt, Palestinian-run Gaza living in peace with Israel.
Skeptical voices question the roadmap
Australian independent journalist Antony Loewenstein told Al Jazeera that skepticism is warranted, noting it remains unclear who will govern Gaza. He described the Peace Board as a product of both Trump and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, whose vision for Gaza he labeled “disaster capitalism” — a scenario of high-rise buildings where Palestinians work in shops for foreigners. “When it comes to this deal, one has to be skeptical,” Loewenstein said.
