What happened
Hamas says it has accepted a disarmament plan for Gaza that would see it hand over heavy weapons and allow a phased Israeli withdrawal, a proposal US President Donald Trump called “a monumental step toward lasting peace and security.” The group said it negotiated “responsibly and positively” and reached “national consensus” among Palestinian factions.
Why it matters for the market
Under the roadmap, the Palestinian National Committee, backed by an International Stabilisation Force, would oversee the inventory and storage of heavy weapons, military production sites, weapons depots and tunnels. The plan links disarmament to Israel meeting commitments from the October ceasefire and to a phased Israeli withdrawal. No weapons would be transferred to Israel or non-Palestinian parties, and an implementation schedule would be prepared within 14 days.
Israel remains deeply skeptical. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said the plan is “not acceptable,” and Israeli officials insist troops will not pull back from the Yellow Line before Hamas disarms. Israel has moved its Yellow Line barriers westward, controlling more than 60% of the strip, which complicates any full withdrawal.
Hamas says giving up heavy weapons is contingent on Israel ending “all forms of aggression” and withdrawing its forces. The plan also addresses tens of thousands of Gaza civil servants employed by Hamas, promising that their rights will be treated lawfully, fairly and with dignity. Hamas dissolved its government earlier this month and agreed to hand power to a technocratic National Committee backed by the international force.
What traders should watch
Regional mediators, pushed by Washington, have pressured Hamas to show progress. New leader Khalil al-Hayya, backed by the armed wing, has streamlined decision-making. But in Gaza, the announcement has met with little enthusiasm, with many Palestinians skeptical after years of failed ceasefires. The Israeli military confirmed a strike on Gaza hours after Trump announced the deal, underscoring the fragile environment around the proposed roadmap.
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