Hamas has reportedly agreed to disarm following the announcement by President Donald Trump that the Board of Peace has reached a “historic” deal regarding the situation in Gaza, reports BritPanorama.
As part of the phased agreement, Hamas would disarm, Israeli troops would withdraw as progress on disarmament unfolds, and an international stabilisation force would work alongside a newly established Palestinian police until a government takes control in Gaza.
In his announcement, Trump expressed appreciation to Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for their mediation efforts in reaching this agreement.
However, a senior Hamas negotiator indicated that the group’s disarmament hinges on Israel fulfilling its obligations under the agreement, including troop withdrawal from Gaza and facilitating the establishment of a national committee to oversee reconstruction. Ghazi Hamad stated, “The agreement contains a clear provision stating that Israel must commit to and implement its obligations. If Israel does not implement the agreement, neither will we.”
In a separate development, Iran has issued a stern warning to the United States, asserting it will “pay the price” following the reported deaths of a family, including a two-year-old child, in an American strike on Qeshm Island.
Before the announcement of the agreement, an Israeli political source indicated that there would be no Israeli withdrawal until Hamas disarmed entirely, asserting that Israel’s demands for the complete demilitarisation of Gaza remain uncompromised. “There will be no Israeli withdrawal from the Yellow Line in the Gaza Strip before Hamas is disarmed and the Strip is demilitarised,” the source stated.
In the wake of the deal, a Hamas official, Ghazi Hamad, reiterated that Israel’s approval is needed before any disarmament can proceed. He clarified that the phased plan requires both parties’ agreement before implementation begins.
Meanwhile, Iranian forces have claimed responsibility for drone strikes on U.S. military facilities in Kuwait, purportedly as retaliation for U.S. attacks that have escalated tensions in the region, demonstrating the interconnectedness of the ongoing conflicts.
This latest development comes amidst heightened regional instability, raising questions regarding the feasibility of reconstructing Gaza and the long-term implications of the established deal.
In light of these developments, the path forward appears fraught with challenges. The commitment of both sides to uphold their end of the agreement will be crucial in determining the prospects for lasting peace and stability in the region.
