President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Hamas has agreed to disarm and Israel will withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip, a development he described as a critical step in a U.S.-brokered peace plan.

The announcement, made via social media, is part of a broader 20-point initiative unveiled last fall, which aims to establish a new Palestinian government in Gaza and ensure Israeli security.

According to Trump, the agreement signifies Hamas's commitment to a detailed "Roadmap for implementing the next phases of the Gaza ceasefire." The Board of Peace, a multinational organization established by Trump to oversee the plan, stated that this represents a "historic breakthrough" after months of negotiations. The Roadmap includes Hamas officially relinquishing its weapons, which will be followed by the Israeli troop withdrawal.

This development is expected to lead to Gaza being governed by a new Palestinian government that will work with the Board of Peace. Trump indicated that as disarmament concludes, Israeli forces will depart, and an International Stabilization Force will collaborate with a new Palestinian police force to ensure safety for Gaza's residents and neighboring regions.

The 20-point plan, initiated after a ceasefire was established last year, also facilitated an exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. The plan mandates Hamas to surrender its weapons, dismantle its military infrastructure, including its tunnel network, and cede power to a new technocratic Palestinian government. In return, Palestinians are to receive desperately needed humanitarian aid and international support for rebuilding the Gaza territory.

Earlier in July, Hamas announced the dissolution of its governing body in the Gaza Strip to pave the way for the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, marking a step in the plan's second phase. Mediators including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey were acknowledged by Trump for their contributions to the agreement.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas commenced on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that resulted in over 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages taken. Israel's subsequent military operations in Gaza have led to a significant Palestinian death toll, with over 73,000 casualties reported, including more than 1,200 since the ceasefire, according to Gaza's Hamas-run Ministry of Health. The prolonged conflict has also precipitated a severe humanitarian crisis within Gaza.

Few specifics regarding the disarmament and withdrawal agreement have been released, and no immediate official statements were available from either Israel or Hamas following Trump's announcement. The precise timeline and mechanisms for the phased implementation of the plan remain subject to further clarification.