United States President Donald Trump has celebrated the announcement that Palestinian group Hamas agreed to disarm in Gaza. The disarmament deal, brokered by Trump’s Board of Peace, also calls for Israel to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and gradually transfer authority to a Palestinian administration.

However, this plan has met a frosty reception among Israeli politicians and the press. An unnamed senior Israeli official stated that despite reports of diplomatic progress, Israel will not withdraw from its current positions in Gaza until it deems Hamas genuinely disarmed.

Many Israelis maintain a hardline stance toward Palestinians in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel launched from the territory. Analyst Scheindlin noted that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s approach is driven more by political considerations and coalition partner opinions than public trauma from the attack.

Waxman highlighted potential complications, warning that Netanyahu’s criticism of the deal could risk alienating Trump, who, despite not endorsing Netanyahu in the Israeli election, may expect political favors such as a pardon or normalization with Saudi Arabia.

The agreement’s terms have also sparked discussions about Saudi Arabia’s key role in Palestinian statehood, underscoring the complex regional dynamics at play.

Sources