Trump says US has ‘understanding’ with Israel on Hamas disarmament deal

What Happened

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States has an 'understanding' with Israel regarding a deal for Hamas's disarmament, even though Israel has not formally agreed. The deal, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the US, would see Hamas surrender its weapons to a Palestinian National Committee in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Hamas confirmed its agreement to the first step, but Israeli officials have expressed opposition: far-right Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called it 'unacceptable,' while UN Ambassador Danny Danon insisted Israel would only support terms ensuring Hamas cannot access the weapons again. Under the proposed plan, Hamas would prepare an inventory of weapons over 14 days, with extensions possible. An International Stabilization Force (ISF) and a new Palestinian police force would then oversee the transfer to the Palestinian National Committee, which would store and monitor the weapons. Israeli forces would incrementally withdraw from Gaza during this process, but no firm deadlines are set; the sequence depends on 'changing the security situation on the ground,' requiring multiple Israeli approvals. The deal is overseen by the International Board of Peace chaired by Trump, and a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza is designated for future governance. However, since the October 2023 ceasefire agreement, Israeli violations have killed at least 1,214 Palestinians, and Israel controls over 70 percent of Gaza.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The proposed disarmament-for-withdrawal deal could represent a major turning point in the Gaza war, potentially leading to Hamas's disarmament, full Israeli withdrawal, and a new governance structure under international oversight. However, Israeli political opposition—especially from the far-right—and the fragile ceasefire make implementation highly uncertain. The outcome may hinge on Prime Minister Netanyahu's political calculus ahead of October elections, with significant implications for regional stability and the future of Palestinian governance.

Watch For

Monitor the start of the 14-day weapons inventory period and any extensions; formal Israeli cabinet responses to the ISF deployment and vetting of the new Palestinian police force; any further violations of the October 2023 ceasefire, which has already seen over 1,200 Palestinian deaths; and signals from Netanyahu's government ahead of October elections, which could accelerate or stall the deal. Also track whether the International Board of Peace, chaired by Trump, sets concrete timelines or conditions for the security situation change that would trigger Israeli withdrawal.