U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that Hamas and other militant factions in Gaza have committed to disarming, describing the move as a vital step toward regional security. The agreement, which aligns with a 20-point peace plan accepted by both Hamas and Israel last October, reportedly paves the way for a Palestinian committee to assume governance in Gaza alongside a full Israeli military withdrawal.
While Hamas officials have confirmed their participation in the process, negotiators have emphasized that their disarmament is contingent upon a complete Israeli withdrawal from the territory. The proposal involves not only the surrender of weaponry but also the dismantling of military infrastructure, including tunnel networks and production facilities. However, the current state of these assets remains uncertain following extensive destruction in the region, and it is unclear how the disarmament process will be verified or managed by a third-party committee.
The agreement faces significant political and logistical challenges. For Hamas, abandoning its armed resistance—a core component of its identity since its 1987 founding—risks undermining its support base. Polling conducted in October 2025 by the People’s Company for Polls and Survey Research indicated that 69% of Palestinians opposed the disarmament of the group. Furthermore, it remains ambiguous whether any disarmament mandate would apply to Hamas elements operating in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Simultaneously, the plan faces resistance from within the Israeli government. Reports indicate that some Israeli officials are opposed to withdrawing from the Gaza Strip until full demilitarization is achieved. Tensions are further complicated by recent proposals from Israeli ministers to establish military-agricultural outposts in northern Gaza, which have historically served as precursors to permanent settlements. President Trump has signaled that he would be "very disappointed" if Israel obstructed the peace process, placing pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to move forward.
Source: The Conversation
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