Washington, 31 July (H.S.): U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Hamas and other armed groups operating in the Gaza Strip have agreed to lay down their weapons under a new agreement. According to Trump, as the process moves forward, Israeli military forces will withdraw from Gaza in phases. He said the agreement was reached with the Board of Peace, a peace body that he chairs. The deal is being described as a significant step toward the demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip. Trump also thanked Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye for their role in helping facilitate the agreement.

According to a report by the U.S.-based news website Axios, the agreement would mark a major breakthrough in implementing Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan.

Two U.S. officials told Axios that Hamas had agreed to all the terms of the agreement. However, Israeli officials and Western diplomats remain sceptical that the group will honour its commitments. In a post on Truth Social on Thursday evening, Trump wrote, Today, the Board of Peace reached a historic agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza. This is a monumental step toward lasting peace and security.

The report noted that representatives of Trump's peace body, along with mediators from Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye, spent several months negotiating with Hamas over the demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip and the transfer of local administrative authority to a National Committee.

The agreement has reportedly been met with dissatisfaction in Israel, which remains suspicious of Qatar and Türkiye. Israeli authorities have accused both countries of helping preserve Hamas' political role.

Trump said the agreement requires Hamas to remove both heavy and light weapons within six to eight months and provide detailed maps of its tunnel network, weapons manufacturing sites and arms depots. The surrendered weapons would be placed under the control of the National Committee.

He further stated that a new Palestinian police force, approved by Israel's Shin Bet security service, would be trained and deployed in areas administered by the National Committee. A notable provision of the agreement is that weapons would also be confiscated from anti-Hamas militia groups. Hamas fighters would receive amnesty and be allowed to remain in Gaza.

Two sources familiar with the negotiations said Qatar, Türkiye and, in particular, Egypt exerted considerable pressure on Hamas to sign the agreement. Egypt's intelligence chief, Hassan Rashad, reportedly played a key role in the negotiations and maintains close ties with Khalil al-Hayya, the new head of Hamas' political bureau.

The agreement is also seen as a significant setback for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to one source, during Hamas' recent visit to Iran to attend the funeral of the country's former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, members of the delegation met senior IRGC officials. The officials reportedly advised Hamas against rushing into an agreement and urged the group to seek additional time before finalising any deal.

President Donald J. Trump wrote on Truth Social, This agreement is historic. It represents a major step toward lasting peace and security. It is also a significant step toward establishing a new Palestinian government in Gaza, which will work in coordination with the Board of Peace. Israel's security will be fully guaranteed, and the Gaza Strip will no longer be used as a base for terrorist attacks.

He added, An international stabilization force will be established. Working alongside the new Palestinian police force, it will be responsible for ensuring the safety of Gaza's residents and neighbouring communities. I want to thank the mediators from Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye for their vital efforts, and especially my outstanding team, whose tireless work made this historic achievement possible.

Trump also pledged, The threat that emerged from Gaza on October 7 will never be allowed to return. Under this agreement, Gaza will finally be governed by a new Palestinian administration dedicated to serving its people. Congratulations to everyone involved in achieving what so many believed could never be accomplished.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar