Israeli officials announced today that Hamas has agreed to disarm, including surrendering its weapons and dismantling its tunnel network. Ynet reports that an IDF withdrawal would follow once the disarmament is complete. This comes as the U.S. resumes strikes on Iran in retaliation for attacks on American bases in the region.
“In practical terms, this is Hamas’ surrender,” one official said. “It accepted the framework that was already agreed with the mediators several months ago. There is complete dismantlement of heavy weapons, light weapons and tunnels, along with dense and rigorous monitoring mechanisms.”
Sources close to Hamas sought to portray the developing arrangement in less definitive terms, saying Egyptian-mediated talks with international envoys had produced progress on the main issues blocking the transition to the next ceasefire phase. Palestinian reports said an announcement on the understandings could be issued later Thursday.
The Board of Peace for Gaza said talks in Cairo were continuing and advancing, adding that the roadmap called for the dismantlement of all weapons, heavy and light, without exception, alongside the destruction of tunnels, arms depots and production facilities.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force conducted overnight strikes on Hamas weapons depots across the Gaza Strip. The sites contained assault rifles, explosive devices, and anti-tank missile launchers intended for use against Israeli troops and civilians.
These developments come as U.S. President Donald Trump followed through on his threat to resume strikes on Iran after U.S. assets were attacked yesterday. Jordan reported intercepting Iranian missiles for the second consecutive day, while Kuwait confirmed one fatality from a strike in the northern part of the country. This week, Iranian attacks have expanded to Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
The Fellowship prays that these developments will ensure security for Israelis still recovering from the horrors of October 7, 2023, and that Hamas will finally and fully be stripped of its power. We also lift U.S. servicemembers up in prayer as the fighting resumes.