Hamas agrees to disarm, but key questions remain

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - At a cabinet meeting Friday, President Donald Trump confirmed that Hamas has agreed to disarm as part of the next phase of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, calling it “a big step for the Middle East.” The agreement, if it holds, would also pave the way for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza — but significant obstacles remain.

Trump first made the announcement Thursday on social media, saying his “Board of Peace” had reached an agreement with Hamas to disarm. During the Friday morning cabinet meeting, Trump expressed confidence the deal would stand, though he did acknowledge there would be challenges.

“Now, will it go through its ups and downs? It’s a very complex situation over there. The people are very complex and difficult,” Trump said.

He also said he believes Israel supports the agreement.

“We do have an understanding with Israel, Israel is very happy about it,” Trump said.

Israel’s Prime Minister had not officially commented on the agreement as of Friday. Israel and Hamas also remain at an impasse over the sequence of steps: Hamas has said Israeli troops must first withdraw from Gaza before it hands over weapons, while Israel is demanding the opposite.

Trump did not address the sequencing dispute during the cabinet meeting, and did not respond when asked by a reporter what would come first.

The new National Committee for the Administration of Gaza is set to take over control of the territory as the ceasefire moves forward. What that transition means for the restoration of the war-damaged enclave and the potential displacement of Palestinians living there remains unclear.