U.S. President Donald Trump indicated on Thursday that Hamas appeared ready to relinquish its weapons, framing the development as a central element of the next stage of the fragile Gaza ceasefire between the Palestinian group and Israel. The remarks were delivered during a cabinet meeting in Washington, following a briefing by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on the status of ongoing negotiations. Trump presented the assessment as an emerging outcome of sustained diplomatic pressure and U.S. engagement, positioning the potential disarmament as a turning point in efforts to stabilize Gaza after months of conflict.
Trump Administration Links Hamas Disarmament to Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Resolution
According to the president’s account, the recovery of all hostages held by Hamas had been achieved through what he described as a strategy rooted in peace through strength, while also acknowledging that Hamas had played a role in enabling their return. The comments underscored the administration’s view that pressure combined with negotiation had altered long-held assumptions about the group’s willingness to disarm. Trump conveyed that many observers had previously dismissed the idea that Hamas would ever surrender its weapons, but current developments suggested a shift that could shape the ceasefire’s next phase.
US Officials Cite Confidence in Hamas Disarmament Paired With Possible Amnesty
Earlier in the week, a senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously to reporters during a briefing marking the return of the remains of the last Israeli hostage held by Hamas, said the Trump administration believed disarmament in Gaza would likely be accompanied by some form of amnesty for the group. The official indicated that U.S. officials were hearing consistent signals from individuals associated with Hamas discussing disarmament, reinforcing confidence in the process. The same briefing emphasized that failure to disarm would constitute a breach of the ceasefire agreement, while U.S. officials believed they had developed a credible and structured program to facilitate weapons surrender.