Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared the draft agreement for Gaza's future unacceptable to Israel, stating that "The targeted killings in Gaza must continue, encouraging emigration must happen, Israel must win." His remarks came one day ago, following the publication of a detailed 15-point framework for the next phases of a Gaza ceasefire. This framework, drafted with US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, outlines a path for Hamas's disarmament.
Hamas has formally agreed to this comprehensive framework, but the group insists it will not implement the deal unless Israel approves and endorses it. Furthermore, Hamas demands Israel must carry out the first phase of an agreement previously hammered out last year in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Hamas official Ghazi Hamad emphasized that the agreement was a "comprehensive framework" that extended beyond mere disarmament. He told Reuters that Hamas would retain its weapons until Israel halted its attacks, allowed more aid and goods into Gaza, and withdrew its forces.
Conditions for Compliance
Under the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement, Israel is obliged to end its attacks in Gaza and withdraw its forces to their positions from October of last year. The agreement also mandates an increase in the flow of essential goods and aid into the besieged enclave. Only after these conditions are met would Hamas agree to hand over its weapons. Hamas official Ghazi Hamad stated, "We insisted to the mediators that Israel must abide by the agreement." The group reiterated on Friday that any agreement for "complete disarmament" of Palestinian factions in Gaza depends on Washington and Israel honoring commitments made under the 10 October ceasefire deal, which was signed less than one year ago.
The framework specifies that Hamas and other Palestinian factions would not surrender Gaza's weapons to Israel. Instead, these weapons would be placed under the control of the new National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a technocratic body established to govern the Strip. The text explicitly states, "No weapons will be transferred or surrendered to Israel or any non-Palestinian parties." It further clarifies that by the end of the disarmament process, "the National Committee alone shall retain, store, or control weapons in Gaza." This committee, as the transitional authority, will be the sole body for registering weapons, issuing and revoking licenses, and enforcing the law, requiring cooperation from all factions and elements of Palestinian society in Gaza.
US Complicity and Israeli Demands
US President Donald Trump affirmed that his Board of Peace would be responsible for collecting Hamas's weapons as the group begins to disarm. Trump stated, "It's going to be run by the Board of Peace. This Board of Peace has been amazing. It's led by some amazing people." He also claimed an "understanding with Israel," adding that "Israel is very happy about it." This assertion stands in stark contrast to the outright rejection voiced by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose demands for continued "targeted killings" and "encouraging emigration" reveal a clear intent for ongoing military occupation and demographic engineering.
The agreement outlines that the transition between phases depends on the verified completion of prior obligations, with an International Verification Committee responsible for certification. An agreed-upon timeline will govern the inventory and collection of militia weapons and their storage under the National Committee's authority. Personnel from these militias will not be absorbed into the security apparatuses or police. The National Committee will also handle internal security incidents.
International Reactions Amidst Ongoing Violence
The Gaza health ministry reported that at least 73,341 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, marking the third anniversary of the conflict. Another 174,086 Palestinians have been wounded during this period of intense military occupation. The framework includes a commitment that Israeli forces will complete their phased withdrawal from Gaza according to an agreed-upon timeline and not force anyone to leave the Strip.
Saudi Arabia lauded the Board of Peace announcement as "historic," commending President Trump's leadership. The Kingdom underscored the importance of the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the deployment of the International Stabilization Force, and the continued, unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance and reconstruction support. Kaja Kallas, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, described the developments as "constructive," noting that "A lot needs to fall in place for this to work. Success depends on the full commitment of all parties. Verifying Hamas’ compliance will be a significant challenge. Israel would need to eventually withdraw from Gaza." Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the news of disarmament alongside Israeli withdrawal, praising mediating countries including the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye. Canada called the disarmament announcement "an important step," with Prime Minister Mark Carney stating Canada remained committed to a "just and lasting resolution based on a negotiated two-state solution," a framework that has consistently failed to address the root causes of occupation and dispossession.