Hamas May Soon Agree to Gradual Disarmament Deal for Gaza Strip

Sources close to negotiations indicate that Hamas could sign a gradual disarmament and demilitarization agreement for the Gaza Strip within days. The talks, led by the White House and the Trump administration’s peace council, involve mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. They believe that Hamas’s worsening economic crisis and external pressures will compel the group to accept the deal currently being discussed in Egypt. However, Hamas has not yet signed the agreement, and Israeli officials remain highly skeptical about the group’s willingness to relinquish its weapons.

The proposed agreement is a key component of President Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which aims to end the conflict in Gaza by transferring governance to a new Palestinian technocratic government, the National Committee for Administrative Control of Gaza (NCAG). The plan includes a six to eight-month phased disarmament process, with Hamas handing over maps of its tunnels, weapons manufacturing sites, and arsenals. A new Palestinian police force, vetted by Israel’s Shin Bet, would be deployed gradually as areas are demilitarized. Hamas militants would receive amnesty and be allowed to remain in Gaza, while those surrendering personal weapons could receive financial compensation.

The agreement also stipulates that Israel would withdraw to the "yellow line" positions held after the October 2025 ceasefire, halting targeted killings of Hamas operatives except in cases of imminent threats. Despite these terms, Israeli officials doubt Hamas’s sincerity, suspecting the group may be seeking only tactical relief from pressure. They also distrust the mediators, particularly Qatar and Turkey, accusing them of helping Hamas politically maneuver to survive.

Behind the scenes, Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad is playing a central role in hosting talks and maintaining close contact with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya. Meanwhile, Iran is reportedly encouraging Hamas to delay signing the deal. White House envoy Steve Whitkoff recently briefed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the negotiations, with Netanyahu reportedly agreeing to proceed cautiously. Sources emphasize that if Hamas breaches the agreement, Israel will halt the process immediately and retain all security measures.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with nearly two million Palestinians still living in tents and makeshift shelters after the October war, and the local health ministry reporting nearly 1,200 deaths since the ceasefire, including many civilians and children. The deal, if finalized, would mark a significant breakthrough in stabilizing Gaza and advancing the peace plan.