Nikolay Mladenov, the CEO of the 'Peace Council' in Gaza, has announced an agreement for "disarmament and transition to civilian administration in Gaza."
He emphasized that "the Israeli withdrawal process must coincide entirely with the disarmament."
"Historic Achievement"
The 'Peace Council' stated in an official communiqué, "Together with intermediary nations Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States, we announce Hamas's agreement to a detailed roadmap. This is a historic achievement as the movement commits, for the first time, to an actionable plan."
The roadmap entails Hamas relinquishing all its weapons, leading to an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. This plan promises tangible benefits for the long-waiting Gaza inhabitants and enhances Israel's security, the council added.
Focus is now on implementing this roadmap, with the National Committee for Gaza Management poised to assume authority, supported by the International Stabilization Force, which will expedite law implementation and improve humanitarian conditions.
"Momentous Step"
President Donald Trump announced an agreement on the "complete disarmament of Hamas," calling it an advance toward forming a new Palestinian government in Gaza.
Trump shared on his Truth Social platform: "Today, the Peace Council has reached a historic agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza. It's a giant leap towards achieving lasting peace and security."
The disarmament process will unfold in "carefully organized stages."
As disarmament progresses, Israeli forces will withdraw, and the International Stabilization Force will collaborate with a new Palestinian police force to ensure security in Gaza, Trump added, thanking Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for their mediation.
"Will Not Be Immediate"
Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad stated that the movement's agreement on the comprehensive peace deal followed consultations with various Palestinian factions "aiming to end the war and rescue Palestinians from the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza." He added that Hamas made political concessions for this goal but will not abandon its political project.
Regarding the sensitive issue of disarmament, Hamad in an interview with Al Arabiya/Al Hadath on Thursday emphasized that the handover of Hamas's weapons will not be immediate or unilateral but part of a reciprocal implementation of the agreement. This is conditional on all parties' adherence to the terms, with a timetable for the various stages of the agreement, including weaponry and security arrangements.
The agreement also stipulates Israel's withdrawal from the entirety of the Gaza Strip, as per a timetable to be refined among parties during implementation phases.
The issue of Hamas's weapons remains a contentious point within the ceasefire agreement announced in the Palestinian sector since October 10th. Under the 20-point peace plan proposed by the U.S. President, the second phase includes Hamas disarmament and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, according to AFP.