Trump announces breakthrough in Gaza as Hamas agrees to disarm, but major caveats remain

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a significant breakthrough in Gaza, claiming a "historic" agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in the territory through his "Board of Peace" on Thursday. This development is presented as a major step toward lasting peace and security, envisioning a phased disarmament alongside an Israeli withdrawal and the establishment of a new Palestinian government supported by an international stabilization force and revamped Palestinian police.

However, Israel has not yet officially endorsed the terms of the deal, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office remaining silent on Trump's announcement. Israeli officials have expressed considerable skepticism regarding Hamas's willingness to fully disarm and have indicated that the proposed 15-point plan does not adequately address their demands for Gaza's comprehensive demilitarization.

Concurrently, tensions in the broader region have escalated, with Iran's military reporting drone strikes on Friday against U.S. military facilities in Kuwait, specifically targeting the Ahmad al-Jaber and Ali Al-Salem air bases. These strikes were described by Iran as retaliation for recent U.S. military actions, including a "heavy wave" of strikes against Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and an attack on Qeshm Island.