The Hill: Israel sceptical over Hamas disarmament

Israel has expressed deep scepticism over whether Hamas will comply with a proposed agreement to disarm, despite US President Donald Trump announcing a phased plan aimed at ending the Gaza conflict and paving the way for a new governing structure in the territory, The Hill reports.

A US official said Israel remained doubtful that Hamas would surrender its weapons, arguing that the agreement was not based on trust but on a system of conditions and verification.

“They’re very sceptical that Hamas will disarm,” the official said, adding that the process would depend on all sides fulfilling their obligations under the framework.

Trump announced the agreement on July 31, saying Hamas would disarm through “carefully structured phases” as part of a broader roadmap for Gaza’s future. He said the plan would lead to the creation of a new Palestinian administration that would work with an international body known as the Board of Peace.

“This agreement is a critical step towards Gaza finally being governed by a new Palestinian government,” Trump said in a statement, adding that Israel would receive security guarantees and that Gaza would no longer be used as a base for attacks.

Under the proposed framework, Israeli forces would gradually withdraw once disarmament was completed, while an International Stabilisation Force would cooperate with a new Palestinian police force to oversee security in Gaza.

By Aghakazim Guliyev