US President Donald Trump announced a deal aimed at achieving lasting peace in Gaza through the complete disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of the territory. The proposal, part of a broader peace initiative backed by the United States, outlines a phased approach to ending hostilities, rebuilding infrastructure, and transitioning Gaza to civilian governance. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced concerns over key elements of the plan, emphasizing that Hamas must be fully disarmed before any reconstruction efforts can commence. The agreement was unveiled following discussions between Trump and senior Israeli officials, during which Netanyahu expressed his disagreement with certain aspects of the framework. According to statements relayed by Al Jazeera, Netanyahu stressed that Hamas must relinquish all weapons, tunnels, and military infrastructure within Gaza before Israeli forces consider withdrawing beyond the so-called “Yellow Line.” This boundary, approximately 10 kilometers north of Israel’s border within southern Lebanon, is intended to remain under Israeli control to prevent the resurgence of militant groups like Hezbollah. The Board of Peace, a US-backed multinational organization tasked with overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire framework, clarified that Israeli military withdrawals beyond the Yellow Line will occur only after the full decommissioning of weapons in Gaza. In a statement, the Board rejected reports suggesting an early or partial Israeli military pullback, asserting that such action would be contingent upon Hamas fulfilling its commitments to the mediators. The Board, led by former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov as High Representative for Gaza, operates alongside an international stabilization force and an implementation verification committee to ensure compliance with the agreement. Israel has joined the Board of Peace and supports its goal of dismantling Hamas and transitioning Gaza to civilian rule. Nevertheless, Israeli officials have criticized the publicly released Gaza roadmap, claiming it does not accurately represent their position on the sequence of disarmament, reconstruction, and military withdrawal. Concerns have also been raised over the composition and mandate of the Board, particularly regarding the involvement of countries such as Turkey and Qatar, which have historically supported Hamas. Netanyahu’s comments come amid ongoing tensions between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, with both sides struggling to agree on the terms of a long-term settlement. The proposed deal seeks to address these challenges by establishing a clear timeline for Hamas to dismantle its military capabilities, allowing for the gradual return of displaced Palestinians and the restoration of essential services. However, critics argue that the plan lacks clarity on how to enforce compliance and ensure accountability, raising questions about its feasibility. As the situation unfolds, the success of the initiative will depend on the willingness of all parties to adhere to the agreed terms and the ability of the Board of Peace to mediate disputes effectively. With the stakes high and the political landscape complex, the path forward remains uncertain, requiring sustained diplomatic engagement and cooperation among all stakeholders.
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