President Donald Trump announced Thursday a significant development in his Gaza peace initiative: an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in the region. The announcement, made via social media, positions this disarmament as a critical step toward Gaza being governed by a new Palestinian government.

This agreement is part of a broader 20-point peace plan that Trump unveiled last year, which previously led to a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and an exchange of hostages and prisoners. The plan aims to fundamentally alter the governance and security landscape of Gaza, a region that has been embroiled in conflict.

Details regarding the disarmament agreement were sparse upon its announcement, and there was no immediate comment from Israeli officials or Hamas. However, the Board of Peace, a newly formed multinational organization established as part of the peace plan, stated that Hamas has agreed to a "Roadmap for implementing the next phases of the Gaza ceasefire." The board described this as a "historic breakthrough" and Hamas's official commitment to relinquishing its weapons, which will be followed by an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Trump stated that the disarmament would be carried out in phases. Following the completion of disarmament, Israeli forces are slated to withdraw. An International Stabilization Force will then collaborate with a new Palestinian police force to ensure safety in Gaza for its residents and neighboring areas. Trump emphasized that Gaza would ultimately be under the control of a new Palestinian government dedicated to its people.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths. The subsequent war, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health, has led to over 70,000 Palestinian deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis.

Trump's social media post also acknowledged the mediators involved in reaching this agreement, including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, thanking them for their efforts. The 20-point peace plan, introduced last fall, was instrumental in brokering the initial ceasefire and prisoner exchange.

The Board of Peace characterized the roadmap as a concrete plan for Hamas to disarm, paving the way for Israel to eventually withdraw its forces from Gaza. This marks a significant shift from previous dynamics between the two entities.

Further details on the implementation timeline and the nature of the new Palestinian government are expected to emerge as the phased disarmament process unfolds. The success of this agreement hinges on the commitment of all parties involved and the effective functioning of the new governance and security structures.