Hamas announced on Friday that it would begin the process of disarming as part of a ceasefire arrangement brokered by the United States and announced last October by President Donald Trump. The agreement calls for an end to Israeli strikes and a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. However, the implementation of the deal faces significant obstacles.

Hamas emphasized that the initial phase of disarming would begin as part of the deal but that the full relinquishment of its heavy weapons would only occur following the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. This demand remains a major sticking point, as Israel’s current government continues to reject the notion of Palestinian statehood under the terms Hamas has outlined.

The U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement initially envisioned a handover of power from Hamas to an independent Palestinian administration, with Israel withdrawing its forces from Gaza and an International Stabilization Force deployed to maintain order. Despite these provisions, progress has been stalled for months. Israel has maintained that Hamas must first disarm before any withdrawal or other elements of the deal can move forward. Meanwhile, Hamas has accused Israel of violating the agreement by continuing regular strikes on Gaza.

As of Friday, Israel had not issued an official response to Hamas’s latest statement regarding disarmament. Observers note that the challenges in realizing the agreement reflect the deep mistrust and political complexities that have long hindered peace efforts in the region.

The ceasefire remains a fragile development amid ongoing tensions, and both parties face pressure to adhere to the conditions set forth in the U.S.-facilitated arrangement. Whether Hamas’s latest declaration will lead to tangible changes on the ground remains uncertain.