Trump: Israel 'very satisfied' with Hamas disarmament and Gaza withdrawal deal
Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday, May 31st, that Israel is "very satisfied" with a proposed agreement for Hamas to surrender its weapons and for Israeli troops to gradually withdraw from the Gaza Strip. Trump stated that the Israeli government participated in the development of this deal, calling it a collaborative effort. Hamas has confirmed its acceptance of a phased disarmament plan, but has made it conditional on the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the cessation of military attacks. Hamas negotiators indicated this is part of a broader ceasefire, aiming for a permanent end to the conflict. The weapons, according to Hamas, would be handed over to the National Committee for Gaza Administration (NCAG), a body of Palestinian technocrats supported by the Peace Council. Hamas insists Israel will not be directly involved in the disarmament process, and its implementation hinges on Israel's departure from Gaza. However, Israeli officials have signaled reservations, with one government authority telling Reuters that Israel will not leave Gaza without "genuine disarmament" by Hamas, suggesting disagreements on the sequence of events. For Israel, complete demilitarization of armed groups remains a core requirement for any troop withdrawal. Trump had previously described the plan as "historic," envisioning an International Stabilization Force and a new Palestinian police force operating in Gaza after Hamas's disarmament and Israeli withdrawal. Mediators from Egypt, the U.S., Qatar, and Turkey are expected to negotiate implementation details, with Hamas representatives anticipating a two-week timeline for setting a schedule and further meetings in Cairo. Israel had not officially commented on the agreement's terms as of the reporting deadline.
The reported agreement between Hamas and Israel, as framed by former President Trump, presents a complex scenario involving phased disarmament and troop withdrawal. The divergent stated conditions from both Hamas and Israeli officials highlight significant challenges in coordinating implementation, particularly regarding the sequence of disarmament and withdrawal. The involvement of international mediators suggests an acknowledgment of the need for external oversight to bridge these gaps. Looking ahead, the long-term viability of such an accord will depend on robust verification mechanisms and the establishment of credible governance structures in Gaza, addressing the underlying security concerns for all parties involved. The potential for external stabilization forces also raises questions about regional power dynamics and the sustainability of international commitments in a volatile environment.
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