On 30 July 2026, US President Donald Trump announced that the Board of Peace had reached an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. A senior Hamas official also confirmed agreement to the plan, with an official statement expected soon, while Israel had not yet commented.
Trump said the agreement could pave the way for a new Palestinian government in Gaza, working with the Board of Peace, while ensuring Israel’s security and preventing Gaza from being used for attacks. Israel has long demanded the complete disarmament and demilitarisation of Hamas as a condition for a peace agreement.
The announcement comes as Israel continues its military operations and expansion of control in Gaza, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying Israel intends to control about 70% of the territory.
Gaza Conflict – Brief History
- 1948: After the creation of Israel, the first Arab-Israeli war led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, an event Palestinians call the Nakba.
- 1967: Israel captured Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem during the Six-Day War.
- 1987: The First Intifada began, and Hamas was founded during the uprising.
- 1993–95: The Oslo Accords created the Palestinian Authority and established a framework for Palestinian self-government.
- 2005: Israel withdrew its settlers and permanent ground forces from Gaza.
- 2006–07: Hamas won the Palestinian legislative election and subsequently took control of Gaza in 2007 after fighting with Fatah.
- 2008–2021: Israel and Hamas fought several major rounds of conflict, with repeated rocket attacks, Israeli military operations and ceasefires.
- 7 October 2023: Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking hostages. Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza.
- 2023–2026: The war caused extensive destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, while negotiations repeatedly focused on hostages, ceasefires, humanitarian aid and Hamas disarmament.
- 30 July 2026: Trump announced an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups, potentially opening the way for a new Palestinian government in Gaza and a broader peace arrangement.
