The Gaza peace plan announced by Trump has sparked confusion over whether Hamas disarmament or Israeli withdrawal comes first, with Israel expressing happiness but not confirming the sequence. This article breaks down the latest developments, key reactions, and what it means for the stalled ceasefire.
Trump's Announcement and Israel's Response
On Thursday night, Donald Trump declared a breakthrough in negotiations over the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. However, Israel has yet to officially respond, and government officials have voiced skepticism. Trump stated, "We do have an understanding with Israel. Israel is very happy about it," but he offered no clarity on the order of events.
Israeli officials have demanded complete disarmament of Hamas as a precondition for any withdrawal. An Israeli source told AFP that Israel will not withdraw from the Yellow Line until Hamas undergoes "genuine disarmament." Meanwhile, far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir dismissed the plan as "unacceptable."
Key Points of Confusion
The main confusion revolves around the sequence of actions and who Hamas would hand over weapons to. Trump mentioned the "Board of Peace," while officials said it would be Palestinian authorities. This discrepancy adds to the uncertainty.
Disarmament vs. Withdrawal: What Comes First?
Israeli officials insist that disarmament must precede any withdrawal. However, Trump did not clarify the sequence, leaving room for interpretation. This fundamental disagreement has stalled the implementation of last October's ceasefire.

Comparison of Stances
| Party | Position on Sequence | Key Demands |
|---|---|---|
| Trump Administration | Unclear, says "Israel is very happy" | Understanding with Israel, no specifics |
| Israeli Government | Disarmament first | Complete demilitarization of Gaza |
| Hamas | Not officially stated | Weapons handover to Palestinian authorities (per officials) |
Reactions from Israeli Officials
Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, said "cosmetic solutions" wouldn't work and Hamas had to "actually" disarm. He told CNN that disarmament must be genuine. Another Israeli official told Reuters that the plan under discussion did not provide a satisfactory response to their demands.
Ben-Gvir's Rejection
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir dismissed the plan as "unacceptable," indicating deep divisions within the Israeli coalition. This internal opposition could complicate any potential agreement.
Key Takeaways
- Trump announced a Gaza peace plan, but Israel hasn't officially confirmed acceptance.
- The sequence of Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal remains unresolved.
- Israeli officials demand complete disarmament before any withdrawal.
- There is confusion over who Hamas would hand weapons to—Board of Peace vs. Palestinian authorities.
- Far-right Israeli minister rejected the plan, signaling political hurdles.
What This Means for the Ceasefire
The lack of clarity threatens the fragile ceasefire. Without a clear sequence, both sides may continue to stall. The international community watches closely as negotiations hang in the balance.

Potential Path Forward
Experts suggest that a phased approach might be necessary, where disarmament and withdrawal happen simultaneously but verified. However, trust remains low, and both sides have entrenched positions.