US Announces Hamas Disarmament Deal Amid Implementation Challenges in Gaza

US President Donald Trump announced a new agreement aimed at disarming Hamas in the Gaza Strip, intending to eliminate the terror group's threat to Israel. The deal, revealed between Thursday night and Friday, outlines a 14-day period after its approval for both sides to assess compliance, during which Israeli military operations and advances along the "yellow line" in Gaza will cease. Daily humanitarian aid, including 600 trucks and 50 fuel trucks, will be allowed into Gaza, with support guaranteed for the National Committee managing Gaza.

However, significant obstacles remain. Israel insists on no withdrawal from Gaza without Hamas disarmament, while Hamas demands disarmament only after Israeli withdrawal, creating a deadlock. The agreement focuses solely on collecting heavy weapons, leaving Hamas's large stockpile of light arms untouched, which poses ongoing security risks. The National Committee, a technocratic government body with ties to the Palestinian Authority, will oversee weapon collection and control under international supervision, but cooperation with Hamas and other militant groups is expected, complicating enforcement.

The disarmament process will be gradual and contingent on fulfilling prior commitments, including the deployment of an international stabilization force and verification mechanisms. The deal explicitly prohibits transferring weapons to Israel or non-Palestinian entities. Additionally, armed militias are to be disbanded on a coordinated schedule, though Hamas may resist excluding its members from security roles by labeling them as civilians.

The agreement also links disarmament and Israeli withdrawal to broader political progress toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood, a connection likely to face Israeli government opposition. Civil and security authority in Gaza will transfer to the National Committee, which will manage public services and financial oversight during the transition, with assurances against external interference.

Overall, while the agreement marks a significant diplomatic step, its implementation faces complex political and security challenges that could delay or derail its objectives.