Gaza’s Game Plan: Hamas Decides to Disarm – What’s Next?

Sun Sep 06 2026 16:18:31 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hamas says it will disarm as part of a Trump‑backed peace plan, sparking hope and doubts in Gaza and Israel.

Hamas confirmed it will lay down its arms under a new peace roadmap, a move dubbed a ‘monumental step’ by President Trump. The plan calls for a phased inventory and storage of rockets and weapons by a Palestinian National Committee, with an international stabilization force on standby. Israel remains skeptical, demanding full disarmament before any withdrawal. The deal also includes civil‑service reforms and job guarantees for former Hamas staff. Amidst rubble, thousands of civilians face dire conditions, while the toll from recent clashes climbs.

Gaza’s Game Plan: Hamas Decides to Disarm – What’s Next?

A shocking announcement after Trump’s signature of a 20‑point peace blueprint has sent shockwaves through the war‑torn Gaza Strip. Hamas said it will lay down its arms under a new plan that many to Western leaders call a “monumental step.” It comes after the group claims to have reached a national consensus with other Palestinian factions.

The roadmap, seen by the BBC, sets out a phased disarmament: all heavy weapons, rockets and production sites will be inventoried and stored in a secure facility run by a new Palestinian National Committee. Israel, however, remains highly sceptical and insists no withdrawal will happen until Hamas fully demilitarises.

Included in the plan is the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) – a multinational troop contingent that would supervise dismantling tunnels, weapon depots and the handing over of personal arms to a future Palestinian police force. Israel’s far‑right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben‑Gvir, labelled the deal as “unacceptable.”

Meanwhile, Hamas announced it would dissolve its Gaza government and hand over power to the National Committee, promising job security and fair treatment for tens of thousands of civil servants – from health workers to security officers who may have supported the militant wing.

Why the shift? Analysts say a new Hamas chief negotiator, backed by a streamlined leadership structure, combined with pressure from regional mediators and the dire humanitarian toll, pushed the group to lock in the agreement. Critics note that Gaza’s infrastructure is in ruins: over 60 million tonnes of debris, no clean water, and a soaring casualty list – with more than a thousand Palestinians killed since the ceasefire.

The announcement has yet to ignite enthusiasm; many Palestinians remain skeptical given past failed ceasefires. The next few weeks will be decisive: if the disarmament boots‑up and Israel’s withdrawal criteria are met, the roadmap could mark the first credible step toward ending Gaza’s ongoing conflict.