Israel to Withdraw from Gaza, Trump Reveals Conditions
US President Donald Trump has announced a crucial step in the effort to end the conflict in the Middle East. Trump stated that Israel will withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip once Hamas completes a thorough disarmament process. This statement follows confirmation from Hamas regarding an agreement reached concerning demilitarisation and a phased military withdrawal.
In a post on the Truth Social platform on Friday (30/7), Trump explained that the Israeli military withdrawal will occur in parallel with the surrender of all Hamas weaponry. This plan is part of the implementation of a 20-point peace scheme proposed by Trump.
Once the disarmament process is complete, security responsibility in the Gaza Strip will no longer rest with the Israeli military. Trump revealed that security will be transferred to the International Stabilization Forces (ISF).
“The International Stabilization Forces will work alongside new Palestinian police forces to be responsible for the security of Gaza for its residents and neighbouring countries,” Trump wrote, as reported by AFP.
Trump views this agreement as a monumental milestone for creating lasting peace and security in the region. Beyond military aspects, the proposal also regulates the governance of the territory post-conflict.
Under this peace framework, Gaza will eventually be led by a Palestinian technocratic government. The administration of the territory during the transition period will be under the control of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).
The NCAG body is formed under the auspices of the Board of Peace to ensure that public services and administration proceed without direct military intervention from the previously warring parties.
Hamas has confirmed that an agreement has been reached on these crucial points. A Hamas official stated that the agreement regarding weaponry and the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces is final.
Hamas senior official Ghazi Hamad emphasised that disarmament is dependent on the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the reconstruction of Gaza according to the agreement. However, Hamad issued a stern warning that Hamas will not proceed with the implementation of the agreement if Israel fails to meet its obligations as per the signed treaty.
Hamas and Palestinian factions have agreed on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, including phased disarmament which depends on the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Mediators from Egypt, the US, Qatar, and Turkey are set to meet in Cairo shortly.