World reacts with cautious optimism to Hamas disarmament agreement

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that Hamas has agreed to a phased disarmament framework tied to an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, with the deal announced late Thursday and confirmed by the United States and other mediators on Friday. The agreement is meant to advance a broader plan to end the war in Gaza, after a ceasefire reached last October failed to stop the fighting, even as violence was reduced. The reported roadmap was brokered by Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye and the United States, and links weapons surrender to troop pullback and later phases of implementation.

Reaction has been mixed but generally cautious. U.S. President Donald Trump described the deal as a major step toward disarming Hamas and creating a new governing arrangement for Gaza. By contrast, some Israeli figures voiced strong objections, while Israel’s government had not issued an official response by Friday evening. Hamas said any disarmament would depend on Israel ending hostilities and withdrawing forces, and negotiator Ghazi Hamad portrayed the arrangement as a broader package covering cessation of the offensive, withdrawal, governance changes and reconstruction.

Other Palestinian and international reactions also reflected uncertainty. Palestinian Islamic Jihad said reports of agreement were inaccurate and raised reservations, while the technocratic National Committee for the Administration of Gaza welcomed the roadmap and said it was ready to govern. European and regional officials generally urged full implementation, opening more aid access, and verifying commitments. The main significance of the agreement, as Al Jazeera presents it, is that it could shape the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire, but only if the parties follow through.