Trump Announces Gaza Withdrawal Deal Amid Ongoing Conflict

In Gaza City, Palestinians are salvaging their belongings from the debris of buildings and tents destroyed in an Israeli airstrike, according to reports from July 30, 2026. Meanwhile, Washington has announced a significant development. President Donald Trump declared that a deal has been reached for Hamas to disarm, and Israel to pull back its forces from Gaza. However, hurdles and long timelines remain in ending the conflict in the region.

No immediate confirmation came from Hamas or Israel. The White House’s announcement arrives nine months after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was signed. Talks between Israel and Hamas had reached a stalemate regarding its second phase, concerning Hamas’ disarmament and Gaza’s reconstruction.

“The agreement will proceed in structured phases,” Trump stated on social media. “As disarmament proceeds, Israeli forces will withdraw. An International Stabilization Force will collaborate with a new Palestinian police force to ensure Gaza’s safety for its inhabitants and neighbors.”

The 20-point ceasefire plan by Trump includes Hamas surrendering weapons and dismantling its tunnel network. It foresees Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, a technocratic Palestinian government taking charge, deployment of an international security force, and Gaza’s redevelopment.

Trump announced progress on the Gaza ceasefire component amid stalled negotiations and escalating military attacks in the U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran, a Hamas backer. U.S. and Board of Peace officials provided an optimistic assessment, similar to Trump’s initial projection when forming the Board of Peace for the Gaza ceasefire.

The officials did not specify timelines for disarming Hamas or other Gaza groups, like Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Yet, they mentioned the Gaza police force would transfer weapons to the Board of Peace-backed administration within two weeks. This force excludes most Hamas militants and the agreement does not cover heavy weaponry, which remains for a later stage potentially lasting 200 to 350 days, according to Board of Peace officials.

A U.S. official indicated Israel, skeptical of Hamas disarming or ceding control, was involved in each negotiation phase. Israel isn’t required to do more than previously agreed in the 20-point plan, which involves withdrawing forces and halting airstrikes on Gaza. The official noted that President Trump would be greatly disappointed if Israel did not comply with the agreement.

Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Washington, but details were scarce from their first meeting since initiating the conflict with Iran. Israel’s UN Mission did not comment immediately. According to the U.S. official, Iran’s influence is uncertain. Though Iran advised Hamas against accepting an agreement, its capacity to offer support to Hamas is limited due to its ongoing conflict with the United States.

Previously, Hamas had demanded the first ceasefire phase be executed before discussing weaponry. Its founding charter emphasizes armed resistance against Israel. Reluctant to relinquish its arsenal, including rockets and missiles, Hamas’s identity remains tied to its arms. Earlier, Hamas declared the dissolution of its Gaza government, preparing to transfer power to a UN-backed technical committee as part of the ceasefire.

The Gaza conflict originated after a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. This attack resulted in about 1,200 Israeli fatalities and 251 hostage takings. Israel’s retaliatory strikes in Gaza have led to over 73,000 Palestinian deaths, including those after the ceasefire, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Presently, Israel controls over half of Gaza, confining Palestinians to cramped camps and devastated areas.