On Thursday, President Donald Trump proclaimed a “HISTORIC agreement” concerning the disarmament of Hamas and other armed factions in the Gaza Strip. This development marks the inaugural foreign policy achievement for his newly established “Board of Peace.” The agreement is heralded as a significant advance for regional stability and a crucial element of Trump’s broader 20-Point Plan.
Despite Trump’s announcement, Hamas has yet to confirm or comment publicly on the matter. Rajan Menon, a political scientist, expressed to Newsweek his confusion regarding Trump’s statement. Menon noted that Hamas has not been disarmed nor agreed to disarm under the October 2025 ceasefire agreement without a corresponding Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Even with such a withdrawal, Hamas plans to relinquish its weapons to a non-Hamas “technocratic government” rather than the Israel Defense Forces.
Trump described the agreement’s impact on Gaza’s governance, emphasizing that a new Palestinian government will prioritize serving its people while ensuring that the territory cannot be used for attacks against Israel. “Israel will have the security it deserves,” Trump stated, highlighting that Gaza will no longer serve as a terror attack base.
The plan outlines a procedure where Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza as disarmament progresses. Security responsibilities will be transferred to an International Stabilization Force, which will work alongside a newly established Palestinian police force.
Hamas leaders have engaged in discussions in Cairo, Egypt, for the past week with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. After recently dissolving its long-standing governing body, Hamas announced that these talks were making progress.
President Trump expressed gratitude towards Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for their mediation efforts, acknowledging members of his administration for their efforts in achieving the breakthrough.
Trump contrasted the current situation with conditions a year earlier when the region was engulfed in conflict, a humanitarian crisis, and hostage situations. “One year ago there was a violent raging war, humanitarian crisis and hostages kept in brutal captivity,” Trump wrote. “We have made historic progress and there is still much work to do.”
Yet, challenges persist. Israel has violated the ceasefire consistently since its implementation, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.
The president highlighted the agreement as a milestone, though questions surround its implementation timeline and international monitors’ enforcement of disarmament.
Understanding the Board of Peace
The Board of Peace functions as an international body responsible for overseeing post-conflict transition in Gaza. Chaired by Trump, the Board includes foreign policy and economic figures such as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. The Board’s role encompasses managing international funding, deploying the International Stabilization Force, and supervising redevelopment.
Trump’s 20-Point Plan
In September 2025, Trump introduced the “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict,” commonly known as the 20-Point Plan. Developed by key diplomatic advisors, it outlines steps for achieving ceasefire, releasing hostages, disarming militants, and forming an international oversight structure.
Phase One, set in late 2025, focuses on humanitarian and security efforts, including freezing front lines, releasing hostages and prisoners, and bolstering aid through international channels.
Phase Two, commencing in 2026, centers on governance and security transition. Key initiatives include:
- Board of Peace Establishment: Initiated by UN Security Council Resolution 2803, the Board, led by Trump, began managing administration, security, and funding.
- Technocratic Local Leadership: The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) was ratified as a non-political Palestinian body tasked with municipal governance.
- Security Framework: Plans are underway for deploying the International Stabilization Force and training local police to supervise demilitarization and the phased Israeli withdrawal.
The Current State of the Israel War
Trump’s announcement follows extensive diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving a long-running conflict exacerbated by the October 7, 2023 terror attacks. Temporary ceasefires and hostage exchanges have slightly eased tensions, but military operations and local clashes continue.
Gaza remains in crisis, with civilian infrastructure destroyed and much of the population relying on international aid. Regional mediators are striving to stabilize aid routes, establish safe zones, and shift from direct Israeli military presence to international peacekeeping forces.
Reports from Gaza’s Ministry of Health indicated that hospitals received six bodies and 34 injured individuals within the past 24 hours.