Hamas has announced its acceptance of a United States-backed proposal aimed at ending the war in Gaza, agreeing to surrender its weapons under a phased plan that also provides for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory.
The proposal, unveiled by US President Donald Trump, outlines the complete disarmament of Hamas as a key condition for establishing a new Palestinian governing authority in Gaza. The group’s weapons would be placed under the supervision of the National Committee for Administration of Gaza, a civilian body expected to oversee governance during the transition.
In a statement, Hamas said it agreed to the roadmap after months of negotiations and expressed hope that mediators and the Board of Peace would ensure Israel fulfils its obligations, including the withdrawal of its forces from Gaza.
A member of Hamas’ negotiating team, Ghazi Hamad, said the movement made concessions to protect civilians and end the suffering caused by the conflict. He added that the disarmament process would be managed by the Palestinian administrative committee rather than Israel.
Israel has not officially endorsed the agreement. However, an Israeli political source insisted that troops would not withdraw unless Hamas genuinely disarmed and Gaza was fully demilitarised. The source also maintained that dismantling weapons stockpiles, tunnels and arms production facilities remains a prerequisite for any lasting settlement.
The proposed agreement has also faced opposition within Israel. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticised the plan, describing it as unacceptable and warning it could allow Hamas to regroup.
The Board of Peace confirmed that Hamas had accepted a detailed implementation roadmap and said attention would now shift to putting the agreement into effect. It stated that the National Committee for Administration of Gaza would gradually assume full governing authority as the transition progresses.
President Trump said that once Hamas completes the disarmament process, Israeli forces would withdraw and an international stabilisation force, working alongside a newly formed Palestinian police service, would be responsible for maintaining security in Gaza.
Nickolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace’s high representative for Gaza, said the negotiations had taken months to conclude and stressed that successful implementation and independent verification would be essential. He noted that Israeli withdrawals and Hamas’ disarmament would need to proceed simultaneously.
The European Union also welcomed the breakthrough. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the agreement offered an opportunity for progress but cautioned that its success would depend on all parties honouring their commitments and ensuring effective verification.
Meanwhile, Egypt is expected to host another round of talks involving mediators from the United States, Qatar and Turkey to discuss the next phase of the ceasefire and oversee implementation of the roadmap.
Although a ceasefire has been in place since October, violence has continued in parts of Gaza. Local health authorities reported that recent Israeli airstrikes killed at least four people, including two children.
Hamas said it is still awaiting Israel’s formal response to amendments it submitted through mediators on aspects of the roadmap, particularly provisions relating to the handling of weapons during the transition.
