The United States and the Palestinian Authority have reached a phased disarmament agreement in Gaza, aimed at reducing tensions between the two parties. The deal was brokered by US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace initiative, which aims to establish a new government in Gaza.
According to sources close to the negotiations, the agreement would see Hamas surrender its heavy weapons and dismantle its military infrastructure, with the goal of creating a more secure environment for civilians in Gaza. However, there are concerns that Israel may not be satisfied with this outcome, given its long-standing demands for complete disarmament.
The deal is seen as a significant step towards achieving lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Trump stated that the agreement would come into effect “in phases,” allowing Hamas to gradually surrender its arms while also ensuring Israeli security.
However, concerns have been raised about the timeline of the process. A US official said that Israel was “very sceptical” that Hamas would disarm completely, citing a 200-320 day estimate for the implementation of the agreement. An Israeli source also expressed skepticism over the prospects of disarmament, stating that Hamas had not provided sufficient assurances.
The deal is seen as part of Trump’s broader Gaza plan, which includes measures to rebuild and govern Gaza after its devastating war with Israel in 2021. The plan has been met with mixed reactions from both sides, with some hailing it as a major step towards peace while others express concerns about the lack of guarantees for Israeli security.
The agreement comes ahead of a planned visit by Trump to Cairo next week, where he will meet with Hamas leaders and other Palestinian officials. However, the details of the meeting remain unclear, with sources indicating that the talks may focus on issues such as disarmament rather than broader peace negotiations.
As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether this agreement marks a significant step towards achieving lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. One thing is certain, however: the road ahead will be fraught with challenges and uncertainties.
Source: Dawn
Based on reporting from Dawn.
