Hamas Offers Disarmament As Israel Demands Proof Before Gaza Withdrawal Under Trump Deal

US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace proposal has moved into a difficult stage as Hamas agrees to a phased weapons handover process, while Israel insists it will not withdraw its forces without what it calls “genuine” disarmament. The agreement aims to end the war, transfer Gaza’s administration to a Palestinian-led body and begin reconstruction, but major disputes remain over timing and guarantees.

Under the US-backed roadmap, Hamas and other Palestinian factions would transfer civilian control and security duties to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). The plan follows the principle of “One Authority, One Law, One Weapon,” meaning only the new administration would control weapons in Gaza.

However, the biggest challenge is deciding who moves first. Israel wants Hamas to fully disarm before a major military withdrawal, while Hamas says deeper disarmament steps must come after Israeli forces leave and political conditions, including a path toward Palestinian statehood, are addressed.

Hamas has agreed to surrender control of weapons to a Palestinian authority but has rejected handing arms to Israel or foreign forces. The process would begin with police weapons, while heavier weapons, military sites and tunnel networks would be dismantled later under supervision. US officials said this phase could take around 200 to 350 days.

The agreement proposes deploying an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to monitor the ceasefire, train Palestinian police, protect humanitarian aid and support the transition. The US-backed Board of Peace and international monitors would oversee implementation along with guarantors including the United States, Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye.

Israel has remained cautious, with officials warning there will be no withdrawal from current positions without verified Hamas disarmament. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also faces pressure from political opponents and allies who fear the deal could allow Hamas to retain influence.

The roadmap includes rebuilding Gaza, restoring public services and supporting economic recovery. However, the task remains enormous, with large parts of Gaza destroyed and millions of residents affected by the conflict.