Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has rejected a draft agreement for the next phases of the Gaza ceasefire, stating that "The targeted killings in Gaza must continue, encouraging emigration must happen, Israel must win." His comments came after a detailed 15-point framework, drafted with US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, was published on July 31, 2026.
Hamas, the designated terror group, formally agreed to this framework. However, the group explicitly stated it would not implement the deal unless Israel approves and endorses it and carries out the first phase of the agreement.
Hamas official Ghazi Hamad called the agreement a "comprehensive framework" that extended beyond disarmament. He insisted its implementation depended on Israel fulfilling obligations from a previous agreement, hammered out less than one year ago in Sharm el-Sheikh.
Under that prior agreement, Hamad claimed Israel was obliged to end its attacks in Gaza, withdraw its forces to their October positions, and increase the flow of goods and aid into the enclave. Only then, he asserted, would Hamas agree to hand over its weapons to the new National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a technocratic body established to run the territory.
Hamas has made it clear that it will not surrender its weapons to Israel. "No weapons will be transferred or surrendered to Israel or any non-Palestinian parties," the unpublished agreement states, stipulating that the National Committee alone shall retain, store, or control weapons in Gaza by the end of the disarmament process.
This National Committee, acting as the transitional authority, would be the sole entity for registering weapons, issuing and revoking licenses, and enforcing the law. All factions, clans, and elements of Palestinian society in Gaza are expected to cooperate with it.
Hamas's Rejectionist Stance
The agreement outlines that the transition between phases hinges on the verified completion of prior obligations. An International Verification Committee would be responsible for certification. Militia weapons are to be inventoried and collected under the National Committee's authority, following an agreed timeline, with personnel from these militias explicitly excluded from being absorbed into security apparatuses or police.
Hamas reiterated on Friday that any agreement for "complete disarmament" of Palestinian factions in Gaza depends on Washington and Israel honoring commitments made under the October 10 ceasefire deal. Ghazi Hamad told Reuters that Hamas would retain its weapons until Israel halted its attacks, allowed more aid and goods into Gaza, and withdrew its forces.
Since the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, the Gaza health ministry reports at least 73,341 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza. Another 174,086 Palestinians have been wounded in the conflict, now in its third anniversary year.
International Double Standards
US President Donald Trump stated that the Board of Peace would collect Hamas's weapons as the group begins to disarm. He claimed to have "an understanding with Israel" and that "Israel is very happy about it," despite the direct rejection from Israel's National Security Minister.
Saudi Arabia called the Board of Peace announcement "historic." The Kingdom commended President Trump's leadership and commitment, emphasizing 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." She noted that "A lot needs to fall in place for this to work," adding that "Success depends on the full commitment of all parties" and that "Verifying Hamas’ compliance will be a significant challenge." Kallas also stated that "Israel would need to eventually withdraw from Gaza."
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the news of disarmament alongside Israeli withdrawal. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the disarmament announcement "an important step," affirming Canada's commitment to a negotiated two-state solution. The framework specifies that an International Stabilization Force will monitor compliance and humanitarian aid flow, but will not perform policing duties or tasks related to Palestinian society, highlighting the challenges of enforcing security in a region where terror groups openly defy disarmament.