Trump unveils Gaza peace roadmap: Hamas disarmament, phased Israeli pullout
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
US President Donald Trump on Thursday, 31 July announced what he described as a historic breakthrough in the Gaza conflict, unveiling a phased roadmap that calls for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other armed groups, the transfer of governance to a new Palestinian transitional authority, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces under an internationally monitored process. The announcement, made via a post on Truth Social, marks the most detailed US-backed peace framework for Gaza since the 7 October attacks.
Key Provisions of the Roadmap
According to a draft roadmap released by the administration, implementation would begin within 14 days of all parties approving the agreement. The document mandates a complete cessation of military operations and fulfilment of all obligations under the existing ceasefire protocol before any subsequent phase can commence.
The plan adopts the principle of 'One Authority, One Law, One Weapon', designating the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza as the sole authority responsible for regulating weapons, issuing licences, and enforcing law across the territory. All civilian and security responsibilities in Gaza would be transferred to this committee during the transitional period.
Disarmament and Security Architecture
The roadmap calls for the dismantling and storage of heavy weapons, tunnels, and military production sites under the supervision of the National Committee and an international monitoring mechanism. Militias operating in Gaza would be dismantled under an agreed timetable. Crucially, surrendered weapons would not be transferred to Israel or any other Palestinian faction — all collected arms would remain under the authority of the transitional administration.
An International Stabilization Force would be deployed to monitor the ceasefire, facilitate humanitarian assistance, support police training, and assist in supervising disarmament. Israeli forces would withdraw gradually according to a timetable linked to verified implementation of the roadmap's security provisions.
What Senior Officials Said
Senior administration officials, speaking during a background briefing, said the roadmap had been negotiated over the past eight months and was designed to address the longstanding absence of trust between Israel and Hamas through a phased, verification-based process rather than political assurances. They described the approach as built on 'zero trust', with every obligation requiring independent confirmation before the next phase is unlocked.
An independent Implementation and Verification Committee would oversee every stage, with progress contingent on confirmed fulfilment of all prior commitments.
Trump's Statement and Regional Diplomacy
In his Truth Social post, Trump said the Board of Peace had reached a 'HISTORIC agreement for the COMPLETE DISARMAMENT of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza.' He described it as 'a monumental step toward lasting PEACE and SECURITY' and a 'major milestone in the implementation of the Trump 20-Point Plan.'
Trump thanked Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye for their mediation efforts and praised his negotiating team. 'The threat that emerged from Gaza on October 7 will NOT be allowed to rebuild!' he wrote, adding: 'Under this agreement, Gaza will finally be in the hands of a new Palestinian government that serves its PEOPLE.'
Reconstruction and Civil Peace
The proposal also includes a civil peace agreement aimed at ending internal violence in Gaza, prohibiting acts of revenge, armed demonstrations, and military parades during the transition. Reconstruction of Gaza would proceed under international supervision according to a phased timetable prepared jointly by the Board of Peace and the National Committee. The roadmap represents the most structured post-conflict governance framework the US has publicly put forward for the territory, and its reception by Hamas, Israel, and key Arab mediators will determine whether it moves from paper to implementation.