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

President Trump announced on Friday that the United States has reached an understanding with Israel concerning a newly proposed agreement with Hamas. Speaking at Camp David during a cabinet meeting, Trump characterized Israel's position as supportive, though the Israeli government has remained largely non-committal on the actual terms of the arrangement.

The preliminary agreement, which emerged from discussions involving mediators from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States, centers on Hamas surrendering its weapons to a Palestinian committee in exchange for a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. Hamas confirmed its acceptance of this first phase, but Israel's official response has been notably restrained. Israeli officials have expressed reservations about specific provisions, with some questioning whether the agreement adequately ensures Hamas cannot reconstitute its military capabilities.

Trump characterized the potential accord as a significant breakthrough, emphasizing that disarming Hamas represents an unprecedented achievement. However, Israeli officials including Ambassador Danny Danon to the United Nations have indicated that Israel would only support arrangements guaranteeing Hamas's permanent inability to rearm. Far-right Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly rejected the plan, describing its provisions as unacceptable.

The agreement framework includes establishment of an International Board of Peace chaired by Trump and a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to manage future administrative operations. Under the proposed timeline, Hamas would prepare a weapons inventory over 14 days, with possible extensions. However, significant questions remain unresolved regarding Israel's withdrawal timeline, weapons surrender procedures, deployment of an International Stabilization Force, and Gaza's reconstruction plans.