Trump on iran warPresident Donald Trump speaks at the United States. (Photo: AP)

Senior Hamas officials have confirmed they have reached a deal to end the conflict with Israel, after US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that his “Board of Peace” had reached an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza calling it a major milestone in carrying out his 20-point plan to end the war.

Here’s what the agreement actually involves.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the deal as a step toward lasting peace and security in the region.

What is the Trump 20-Point Plan?

The 20-Point Plan is Trump’s broader roadmap for ending the war in Gaza, of which Thursday’s disarmament agreement forms one part.

Trump said the deal would pave the way for Gaza to finally be governed by a new Palestinian government working alongside the Board of Peace, while giving Israel the security it needs so the territory is no longer used as a base for attacks.

How did Hamas agree to disarm?

Hamas spoke directly with mediators, including Qatar, Turkey and Egypt, and agreed to sign onto the agreement, according to reports by Aljazeera. Disarmament had long been seen as one of the biggest sticking points in negotiations, but Hamas has now agreed to hand over its weapons to the International Stabilisation Force.

Specific zones in Gaza will be identified and demilitarised, with the process moving to its next phase only once verified by an independent body.

Story continues below this ad

What did Trump say about the timeline?

Trump said the agreement would be carried out in structured phases: as disarmament is completed, Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza, while an International Stabilisation Force works with a new Palestinian police force to take charge of security for both Gaza’s residents and its neighbours.

Israel Palestinians Gaza Ramadan
Displaced Palestinian struggle to receive donated food for iftar, the fast-breaking meal, on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan at a community kitchen in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

He warned that the threat that emerged from Gaza on 7 October would not be allowed to rebuild.

Who did Trump credit for the breakthrough?

Trump thanked Egypt, Qatar and Turkey for their work as mediators, along with what he called his own outstanding negotiating team.

Trump contrasted Thursday’s announcement with the situation a year earlier, when Gaza was gripped by war, a humanitarian crisis and hostages held in captivity, saying historic progress had been made even as significant work remains.

Story continues below this ad

What’s happening with talks on the ground?

Earlier the same day, sources said talks between mediators and Hamas leaders in Cairo over implementing the US-brokered peace plan had made rare progress, though an Israeli official said the terms on offer were not yet acceptable.

Meanwhile, Israeli strikes killed at least six Palestinians in Gaza on Thursday, including two children, according to medics cited by Reuters.

israel gaza war
A child searches for reusable items at a landfill beside a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip. (AP Photo)

US officials said the Hamas deal remains conditions-based, and that Israel is doubtful Hamas will actually disarm. The officials added that Washington is coordinating closely with Israel, and that a local technocratic government is now being viewed as a possible alternative to both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas.

The BBC has separately reported that Hamas rejected an earlier disarmament proposal from a senior figure involved in Trump’s Gaza peace efforts back in April, and that the Board of Peace’s proposed charter does not mention the Palestinian territory by name, appearing instead to take on functions similar to those of the UN.

Story continues below this ad

The war began after Hamas led an attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage. Israel’s military response in Gaza has since killed more than 73,290 people, including 21,280 children, according to the territory’s health ministry, which is run by Hamas.

With inputs from Reuters and the BBC