Hamas agrees to give up weapons under Trump plan, what it means for Iran and Gaza

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump says Hamas has agreed to hand over its weapons in Gaza as part of his administration’s peace plan, a move the White House is calling a major step toward ending the conflict. The reported agreement could also affect Iran’s influence in the region, with Hamas long serving as one of Tehran’s key allies.

Two US officials told Axios that Hamas accepted the proposal, while Al Jazeera reported that signed documents showed Hamas and other Palestinian groups had agreed to the terms. However, Hamas negotiator Ghazi Hamad said negotiations remained "difficult" and stressed that the group was making sacrifices "for the sake of our people in the Gaza Strip, to save them from killing and displacement."

What Hamas disarmament plan requires

The process of handing over weapons is expected to happen in stages rather than immediately. The first phase involves weapons held by Hamas’ police-style units, though those forces do not represent the group’s main fighting forces.

The more difficult stages would involve collecting heavy weapons, rockets and equipment used for weapons production. Personal firearms held by fighters would reportedly be addressed later.

Hamas is also expected to provide information about tunnel locations, weapons storage sites and production facilities so those areas can be identified and dismantled.

The weapons would not be transferred to Israel. Instead, they would be handed over to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, a temporary body created to help govern the territory.

Who will oversee Gaza after Hamas

The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza is expected to operate as a temporary Palestinian administration separate from Hamas and Israel.

US officials have described the group as a transitional authority that would manage Gaza until a permanent Palestinian government is established.

The Board of Peace and mediating nations including Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye and the United States announced that Hamas agreed to a roadmap for implementing the next phases of the Gaza ceasefire.

The committee is expected to gradually take control of different areas while verifying that weapons have been removed before moving forward.

Gaza disarmament timeline remains uncertain

Officials said the detailed implementation plan would need to be completed within 14 days. Estimates for completing the full process vary, with some officials suggesting seven to eight months, while others have cited a broader timeframe of 200 to 350 days.

The plan is expected to move forward in phases, with each step requiring verification before the next stage begins.

Hamas and Israel still disagree on key terms

Despite the announcement, major challenges remain. Hamas has said it will not surrender weapons unless Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza first.

Trump’s plan, however, reportedly follows a different sequence, with disarmament taking place before an Israeli withdrawal. US officials have described the agreement as a roadmap rather than a final settlement.

Israel has not publicly confirmed its acceptance of the deal, and some Israeli officials have raised concerns that the terms do not match previous understandings.

How Hamas deal could affect Iran-US tensions

Hamas has been a major regional partner for Iran, receiving financial support, weapons and training from Tehran over the years.

If Hamas moves forward with disarmament, Iran could lose an important ally at a time when tensions with the US remain high.

A senior US official told Axios that Iranian officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly urged Hamas representatives not to quickly approve the agreement. However, Hamas moved ahead despite those reported objections.

A US official said, "Iran abandoned Hamas a while ago. They can't afford to keep them going."

Trump views Gaza agreement as major breakthrough

The White House is presenting the reported agreement as a major achievement for Trump’s peace plan, with Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye helping encourage Hamas to accept the roadmap.

However, the agreement remains an important step rather than a completed resolution. Israel’s position, the weapons timeline and enforcement process will determine whether the plan becomes a lasting turning point or faces new obstacles.