Hamas and Israel agree to disarm but remain split on the meaning of surrender

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 AUGUST 2026 —

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 — Hamas has accepted a U.S.-brokered proposal to disarm, but Israel insists on total surrender before withdrawing from Gaza, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on July 30. The plan, which calls for a mutual halt to hostilities, remains stalled over differing interpretations of disarmament and withdrawal timelines.

The agreement follows months of escalating violence, with July marking the deadliest month since a ceasefire was established in October 2025. At least 170 fatalities were recorded, alongside 53 Israeli air and drone strikes targeting militant positions, police facilities, and Hamas infrastructure—the highest monthly total since the truce began. Hamas’s decision to engage in negotiations coincides with Israel’s intensifying election campaign and growing domestic pressure on the group to ease military pressure.

Under the Board of Peace initiative, Hamas has agreed to surrender its remaining heavy weapons, while Israel demands complete disarmament before any withdrawal. The plan also extends to disarming Israeli-backed factions and armed clans, though no consensus has been reached on oversight or verification mechanisms. The U.S. is expected to apply sustained pressure on both sides to bridge these gaps, with early signs of reduced strikes—ACLED data recorded just one deadly airstrike between Aug 2-3, down from five on Aug 1.

For Malaysia, the plan carries implications for regional stability and economic ties with the Middle East. Any sustained de-escalation could ease trade disruptions in key sectors such as palm oil and halal products, which have faced volatility amid regional conflicts. Malaysian businesses with operations in Gaza or neighboring countries may monitor developments closely, though direct exposure remains limited.

The plan’s success hinges on U.S. mediation and both parties’ willingness to compromise. While Hamas seeks to ease military pressure ahead of Israel’s elections, Netanyahu’s government remains firm on total disarmament before withdrawal. Analysts note that attacks near the Yellow Line are likely to persist as long as Israeli forces remain deployed without clear separation from Hamas-controlled areas.

Details on implementation timelines, verification mechanisms, and international oversight remain undisclosed. The U.S. administration’s ability to enforce compliance will be critical in determining whether the plan progresses or collapses amid ongoing hostilities.