Hamas signals readiness to disarm under Board of Peace plan as Trump announces Gaza deal
CAIRO, EGYPT: Hamas has signaled what could be its biggest policy shift since the start of the Gaza war, with a senior official telling the BBC that the group has agreed to the Board of Peace's plan for the complete disarmament of Gaza.
The development came after President Donald Trump announced what he described as a major breakthrough in efforts to implement the next phase of a US-backed ceasefire plan.
The Hamas official said an official statement confirming the group's position would be released soon. Israel has not publicly endorsed the proposal, and reports suggest it still has reservations about its terms.
🚨🇵🇸 🇮🇱 Hamas confirms it reached a deal to end the war, then warns it won't follow through if Israel doesn't hold up its end.
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 31, 2026
-Two senior Hamas officials tell AFP, speaking anonymously, that the group has reached an agreement to end the conflict with Israel, following Trump's… pic.twitter.com/DmpQREoLri
Hamas accepts Trump-backed Gaza disarmament plan
Trump announced that the Board of Peace had reached an agreement for the "complete disarmament" of Hamas and other armed groups operating in Gaza.
Shortly afterward, a senior Hamas official told the BBC that the group had accepted the proposal and would soon issue a formal statement. Trump also outlined what he said would happen next if the agreement moves forward.
"This is a major milestone in the implementation of the Trump 20-Point Plan," he wrote on Truth Social.
Today, the Board of Peace reached a HISTORIC agreement for the COMPLETE DISARMAMENT of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza. This is a monumental step toward lasting PEACE and SECURITY.
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) July 30, 2026
This agreement is a critical step towards Gaza finally being governed by a new… pic.twitter.com/UeFo8m9tii
"The agreement will be carried out in carefully structured phases. As disarmament is completed, Israeli forces will withdraw, and the International Stabilization Force will work with a new Palestinian police force to take responsibility for keeping Gaza safe for its residents and its neighbors."
Trump also thanked Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for helping mediate the negotiations.
Israel yet to approve Gaza disarmament deal
While Hamas appears ready to move forward, Israel has yet to publicly approve the proposal.
According to reports cited in the provided material, talks between mediators and Hamas leaders in Cairo made rare progress, but an Israeli official reportedly said the proposed terms were not satisfactory.
The Times of Israel also reported that an agreement had been signed between Hamas negotiators, the Board of Peace, and the mediating countries.
However, the report added that an Israeli official maintained the proposal still failed to meet Jerusalem's demands. The reported differences mean the deal could still face hurdles before it is fully implemented.
Hamas softens stance on Gaza peace plan
The reported agreement represents a notable change from Hamas' earlier stance. In April, the group rejected a similar disarmament proposal tied to Trump's Gaza peace efforts.
The second phase of the US-brokered ceasefire plan includes Hamas' disarmament and the reconstruction of Gaza.
Trump said Israeli forces would withdraw gradually as the process is completed, allowing a new Palestinian government, supported by an International Stabilization Force and a new Palestinian police force, to assume responsibility for security.
Earlier this month, Hamas appointed Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader following the death of Yahya Sinwar.
Hayya has led the group's indirect ceasefire negotiations with mediators in Egypt and Qatar.
Although Hamas has now reportedly agreed to the Board of Peace proposal, Israel's reported objections indicate that negotiations are still ongoing.
