Trump announces deal for Hamas to disarm and Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza

WASHINGTON —

President Donald Trump announced a phased agreement for Hamas to disarm and Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza, marking a significant development nine months after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was signed between Israel and Hamas.

Trump said the agreement will be carried out in carefully structured phases.

“As disarmament is completed, Israeli forces will withdraw, and the international stabilization force will work with a new Palestinian police force to take responsibility for Gaza being safe for its residents and its neighbors,” Trump said in a post on social media.

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have largely been at a standstill over the second phase of the ceasefire, which includes disarming Hamas and reconstructing Gaza.

Under Trump’s 20-point plan for the region, Israel would have to withdraw forces from Gaza and commit to ending airstrikes on the territory.

The war began Oct. 7, 2023, after Hamas led an attack on southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 people hostage.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, Israel’s retaliatory strikes in Gaza have killed more than 73,000 Palestinians, including those killed since the ceasefire.

Israel has not responded publicly yet to Trump’s announcement, but a U.S. official told The Associated Press that Israel remains deeply skeptical about Hamas’ willingness to adhere to disarmament.

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