Hamas announced Friday, July 31, 2026, that it has agreed to hand over its weapons to a Palestinian governing committee [1].
The agreement marks a potential turning point in the conflict, as it initiates the second phase of a Gaza cease-fire plan brokered by a U.S.-backed peace board.
President Donald J. Trump said the agreement represents a major milestone toward the complete disarmament of Hamas [1]. Under the terms of the plan, the disarmament process will be overseen by the Palestinian governing committee, and an international force [3].
Trump said Israeli forces will withdraw in phases as Hamas disarms [3]. This gradual withdrawal is intended to coincide with the surrender of weaponry to ensure security for both parties [3].
A spokesperson for Hamas said the group has agreed to a deal that includes handing over its weapons to the governing committee [2]. The move is intended to end the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas [1].
Reports regarding the Israeli response to the announcement are conflicting. Some reports indicate that Israel has not yet issued a formal word on the agreement [2]. Other reports indicate that Israel has intensified strikes in Gaza following the signal from Hamas that it is willing to disarm [2].
The plan relies on the coordination between the international force and the local governing committee to maintain order during the transition of power in the Gaza Strip [3].
“"This is a major milestone – complete disarmament of Hamas."”
The agreement represents a high-stakes diplomatic gamble that hinges on mutual trust between adversaries. While Hamas has signaled a willingness to disarm to achieve an Israeli withdrawal, the lack of a unified Israeli response—ranging from silence to increased military activity—suggests that the transition from a cease-fire to a permanent disarmament phase remains volatile.
