Hamas Agrees to Disarmament Deal Tied to Israeli Withdrawal from Gaza
The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas announced on Friday, May 31st, that it has accepted a deal with Israel concerning the second phase of a truce. This agreement links Hamas's disarmament to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. This pact marks the beginning of the second stage of a ceasefire initially agreed upon in October 2025, following two years of conflict. The first phase, concluding in January, facilitated the release of the last Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. According to Hamas, the second phase involves the progressive withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, contingent upon the handover of Hamas's weapons and the deployment of an international force. The implementation is overseen by the Peace Council, an institution established by former U.S. President Donald Trump in January. Hamas states that the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a group of Palestinian technocrats formed by the Peace Council, will be solely responsible for inventorying and storing its weapons. Following the Israeli withdrawal, an International Stabilization Force (ISF), composed of multinational troops, will collaborate with a new Palestinian police force to ensure security in Gaza, as stated by Trump. Hamas plans to discuss implementation details and a timeline, estimated to be at least two weeks, with mediators including Egypt, the United States, Qatar, and Turkey, with a meeting scheduled soon in Cairo. Hamas negotiator Ghazi Hamad emphasized that Israel must commit to fulfilling its obligations, warning that Hamas will reciprocate if Israel fails to comply. Israel had not immediately responded to the announcement. Since the truce began in October 2025, Israel has maintained near-daily attacks in Gaza, controlling over 60% of the territory. Thousands are displaced in the devastated Palestinian territory. The Gaza Ministry of Health reports at least 1,214 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire announcement, figures corroborated by the UN. The Israeli military reported five soldiers and one civilian employee killed in the same period. Reporting on the ground is challenging due to media restrictions and limited access.
This proposed agreement addresses the complex entanglement of Israeli withdrawal and Hamas disarmament, framing it as a phased approach to de-escalation. The structure suggests a potential shift in regional security dynamics, with the introduction of a multinational stabilization force and a Palestinian administrative body for reconstruction. The reliance on a U.S.-backed council and international forces highlights a potential pathway for external governance and oversight in Gaza, aiming to create conditions for long-term stability. However, the success of such an accord hinges critically on sustained political will and verifiable compliance from all parties, particularly given the historical distrust and the stated conditionality of Hamas's cooperation. Future challenges may involve the integration of the new Palestinian police force, the long-term funding and mandate of the ISF, and the broader geopolitical implications of international involvement in Gaza's governance.
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