**Trump Announces Agreement for Disarmament of Hamas**
*By Helen Sullivan, BBC News*
US President Donald Trump has announced that the Board of Peace has reached an agreement aimed at the "complete disarmament" of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. He described this development as a "critical step towards Gaza finally being governed by a new Palestinian government." However, details regarding the involvement of Hamas and Israel in this agreement remain unclear, as neither party has issued a comment in response to the announcement.
In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that the agreement is a significant milestone in the implementation of what he referred to as the Trump 20-Point Plan. He explained that the agreement will be executed in carefully structured phases, with Israeli forces expected to withdraw from Gaza as disarmament progresses. According to Trump, the second phase of the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire plan includes not only the disarmament of Hamas but also the reconstruction of the war-torn region.
The announcement comes in the wake of a devastating conflict that escalated following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the taking of 251 hostages. In retaliation, Israel launched a significant military campaign in Gaza, leading to a reported death toll of over 73,290 people, including 21,280 children, according to figures provided by the Hamas-run health ministry in the territory.
Despite the optimism surrounding the disarmament agreement, it is important to note that Hamas had previously rejected a disarmament proposal put forth by a senior Palestinian official involved in Trump's peace efforts earlier this year. This rejection raises questions about the feasibility of the current agreement and the willingness of Hamas to comply.
The Board of Peace was initially believed to be focused on facilitating an end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas and overseeing the reconstruction of Gaza. However, reports suggest that its proposed charter does not explicitly mention Palestinian territory and may be intended to replace certain functions traditionally held by the United Nations.
As the situation continues to develop, the international community remains watchful for responses from both Hamas and Israeli officials regarding the implications of this agreement. The potential for a new Palestinian government to emerge in Gaza, alongside the proposed disarmament and reconstruction efforts, could significantly alter the dynamics of the region.
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