Hamas Agrees to Disarm in Gaza as Trump’s Board of Peace Unveils 15-Point Plan

Key points

• Hamas confirmed it agrees to the Board of Peace plan for complete disarmament, with a senior official stating an official statement would follow soon.
• The 15-point plan requires Israel to cease attacks and withdraw troops as Hamas dismantles its military infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons depots.
• The agreement is part of the second phase of the Trump 20-Point Plan, which includes the creation of an International Stabilization Force and a new Palestinian police force.
• Hamas linked the surrender of 'heavy weapons' to Israel fulfilling prior ceasefire commitments, including troop withdrawal and allowing reconstruction equipment into Gaza.
• The plan includes a 'zero trust' verification mechanism, where neither side proceeds to the next phase until the other has fulfilled its commitments.

Background

This development follows months of negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. In late July 2026, Israel approved the entry of an International Stabilization Force into Gaza, though no deployment timeline was set. The current agreement builds on a ceasefire reached in October 2025, which has been marked by continued Israeli airstrikes and over 1,168 Palestinian deaths since then. The Board of Peace, founded by the US, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, and the UAE, has expanded its scope beyond Gaza to become a broader international peace-building body.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News emphasizes the deal as a major milestone in Trump’s 20-Point Plan, highlighting the involvement of mediators and the potential for a new Palestinian government. The BBC notes that while Hamas has agreed to disarm, Israel remains highly skeptical and has not issued a formal statement, with some Israeli officials calling the terms unsatisfactory. The New York Times points out that Hamas is attempting to shift the burden of implementation to Israel by demanding concessions first, a strategy analysts view as a way to test Israel’s commitment. CNN’s coverage is limited to a headline confirming the agreement but noting persistent uncertainty.

Why it matters

The agreement represents a potential turning point in the Gaza conflict, offering a framework for ending hostilities and beginning reconstruction. However, the lack of Israeli endorsement and the complex verification process raise significant risks of collapse. The deal’s success could influence broader regional stability, including ongoing tensions in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, where US and Saudi efforts to counter Houthi attacks are underway.

What to watch

The next 14 days are critical, as the parties must determine a schedule for implementation, which can be extended by an international verification committee. Hamas has stated that Israel must first fulfill its ceasefire commitments, including troop withdrawal, before any disarmament occurs. A meeting of Gaza truce mediators is expected soon in Cairo to discuss implementation. The outcome will depend on whether Israel agrees to withdraw from its current 'yellow line' in Gaza and whether Hamas follows through on dismantling its military infrastructure.