Russia

Israel strikes Gaza hours after Trump announces Hamas disarmament plan

RT English · 2026-07-31

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resumed following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a "historic agreement" aimed at disarming Hamas and facilitating the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from the region, resulting in at least one Palestinian death and several injuries. • Why it matters: The agreement, which has faced skepticism from both Hamas and Israeli officials, is positioned as a significant step toward peace, but ongoing military operations and differing views on disarmament complicate the situation, highlighting the challenges in achieving stability in Gaza. • What to watch next: The international community will be closely monitoring the implementation of Trump's Comprehensive Peace Plan, the reactions from Hamas and Israeli officials, and any developments regarding the proposed governance transition and humanitarian aid in the region.

**Title: Israeli Strikes on Gaza Continue Following Trump's Disarmament Announcement**

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resumed on Friday, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a “historic agreement” aimed at disarming Hamas and facilitating a complete withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from the region. The strikes reportedly resulted in the death of at least one Palestinian and left several others injured, as confirmed by Palestinian health officials.

The announcement of the agreement came late Thursday and was the result of negotiations facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United States. Trump characterized the deal as a “monumental step toward lasting peace and security,” positioning it as a significant milestone in his broader 20-point plan for Gaza.

However, the agreement has faced skepticism from both Hamas and Israeli officials. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir dismissed the draft as “unacceptable to Israel,” asserting that operations targeting Hamas militants in Gaza must persist. He emphasized the need for continued “targeted killings” of what he termed “Hamas terrorists” and suggested the “encouragement” of Palestinian emigration from the enclave.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, stating that Israeli forces would remain in designated security zones for as long as deemed necessary.

On the other side, Hamas has firmly rejected the notion of disarmament while Israeli forces are still present in Gaza. The group issued a statement asserting that any discussions regarding the surrender of heavy weaponry would be contingent upon a complete cessation of hostilities, an Israeli withdrawal, reconstruction efforts, international guarantees, and progress toward Palestinian statehood.

According to sources from Hamas, the newly formed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG)—established under the auspices of the Board of Peace—would be responsible for managing and storing Hamas' weapons. Reports from Reuters indicated that Hamas reiterated its position that any transfer of arms would only occur if accompanied by an Israeli withdrawal and an increase in humanitarian aid to the region.

The roadmap for implementing Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan outlines several principles. It mandates that Israel fulfill its remaining obligations from the ceasefire arrangements established in October, which include halting military operations. Under the proposed framework, Hamas and other Palestinian factions would be tasked with transferring civilian governance and security responsibilities to the NCAG. Subsequently, heavy weaponry and military infrastructure would be decommissioned under the committee’s oversight, with Israeli forces withdrawing in phases.

The Board of Peace was created as part of Trump’s Gaza plan following the ceasefire last October, with the objective of overseeing the region's post-war transition and reconstruction. This body is responsible for managing reconstruction efforts, facilitating the transfer of governance to the NCAG, and coordinating the deployment of an international stabilization force.

The ongoing conflict has had devastating consequences for the civilian population in Gaza. According to health authorities in the region, the military campaign initiated by Israel in response to a deadly Hamas raid in October 2023 has resulted in the deaths of at least 73,340 Palestinians and left more than 174,000 others wounded.

As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful of the developments surrounding the peace agreement and its implications for stability in the region. The complexities of the conflict and the differing perspectives on the proposed disarmament and withdrawal highlight the challenges that lie ahead in achieving a lasting resolution.

Source: RT English
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