Israeli Withdrawal and Hamas Disarmament Planned in Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Framework

The Peace Council revealed on Friday the framework for implementing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which includes a complete and immediate Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Israel is expected to fulfill remaining commitments from the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement, particularly ceasing military operations. Concurrently, Hamas and other Palestinian factions will halt all military activities and transfer civilian and security governance in Gaza to a newly formed National Committee.

Sources told the Saudi channel Al-Hadath that the United States has pledged to Hamas to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw from Gaza and implement the agreement, with Washington acting as guarantor. After the roadmap is approved by all parties, implementation timelines and mechanisms will be prepared, and the National Committee, comprising Arab representatives, Peace Council members, and international stabilization forces, will assume Gaza's management.

The first clause of the framework commits both Israel and Hamas to the 20-point plan proposed by then-US President Donald Trump, aiming to end the cycle of destruction, ensure Israel's full withdrawal, enable economic development, and rebuild Gaza. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of "Yashar," criticized Netanyahu for political weakness and leaving Hamas in power, calling for leadership that wins and fulfills goals. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir rejected the Peace Council's draft, insisting that targeted killings of Hamas members must continue to prevent future attacks.

A diplomatic source reiterated Israel's stance that no withdrawal beyond the current "yellow line" will occur without genuine Hamas disarmament. Trump announced the agreement on social media, calling it historic and a critical step toward peace and security, with a new Palestinian governance in Gaza cooperating with the Peace Council and international forces ensuring security.

Inside Hamas, significant disagreements delayed signing, but pressure from US envoy Jared Kushner and Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan led to eventual agreement. The signing ceremony is expected next week. US officials anticipate full Israeli cooperation and emphasize that the National Committee will replace both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority in Gaza. Despite optimism, senior US officials acknowledge the process may take up to a year and face setbacks. Currently, the Palestinian Authority is not part of the agreement but could join if it performs well in the West Bank.

Hamas official Ghazi Hamad told Reuters that Hamas will not begin disarmament until Israel confirms the agreement and starts the first phase. US officials also noted close coordination with Israel and skepticism about Hamas's willingness to disarm. Hamas recently sent a letter to the White House expressing willingness to disarm but requested a long-term truce of 10 to 15 years during which Israel would halt attacks, targeted killings, and begin troop withdrawals from Gaza.