Hamas says it will begin disarming under US-brokered deal

Hamas has announced it will begin disarming as part of a U.S.-brokered agreement, marking a potential breakthrough in ending the war in Gaza that began in October 2023. The announcement, confirmed on Friday, July 31, 2026, follows a framework deal announced by U.S. President Donald Trump and envisions the militant group laying down its weapons under international supervision. The plan also requires Israel to end its military operations and withdraw from the territory, with control handed to a new Palestinian governing body.

The agreement is part of a ceasefire framework first announced in October 2025, which had stalled over mutual accusations of violations. Israel had insisted that any further progress was contingent on Hamas disarming, while Hamas accused Israel of continuing strikes. The newly announced deal aims to move the process into a long-delayed second phase involving the militant group's demilitarization.

President Trump described the development as a historic breakthrough, stating that disarming Hamas was previously considered an undoable deal. He made the remarks during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday. The implementation is to be carried out in carefully...