Gazans and analysts have expressed a mix of relief and skepticism regarding the newly announced roadmap for Hamas's disarmament and subsequent Israeli withdrawal.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the so-called "Board of Peace" had reached an agreement for the "complete disarmament" of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, alongside an Israeli withdrawal from the territory.
Trump mentioned that Israel was "very happy" with the agreement, but Israeli media reported significant reservations and grievances about the deal's terms.
Hamas has previously expressed its willingness to include heavy weapon handovers in the ceasefire framework, contingent on conditions like an end to Israeli aggression and a full withdrawal from Gaza.
Analysts believe the success of this agreement largely depends on U.S. influence and its ability to exert meaningful pressure on Israel.
"The United States should pressure the Israeli government to meet its obligations at this stage, as many of Israel's previous goals have been met," said Taysir Muhaysin, a Gaza-based political analyst.
Other analysts point to potential political hurdles within the Israeli government as significant obstacles. With elections scheduled for late October 2026, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition has adopted a hardline stance in prior negotiations. Analysts express caution regarding the agreement's viability in the lead-up to the elections.
"The current Israeli government does not want to implement this agreement because they have elections in two months. They are unlikely to make any substantial concessions to Palestine before the elections at the end of October," said Ahed Farwana, another Palestinian analyst.
In Gaza, people have news of the agreement from various sources. After nearly three years of conflict, repeated displacements, and the collapse of previous agreements, the population is caught between cautious hope and enduring doubt.
"We still have a glimmer of hope right now. We hope this is an agreement that can be implemented in reality," said Youssef Al-Gharabli, a displaced Palestinian.
However, Mohammed Abu Al-Khair, another Palestinian, expressed skepticism, saying "Based on our past experience, Israel has evaded and delayed on many of Gaza's demands."
Abdulhadi Hussein, a local man, also voiced his concern.
"Every two or three months, the relevant parties tell us hat a ceasefire agreement is close. People remain optimistic, but the reality is just a empty talk. We've heard similar words far too many times, and here we are, still facing death," he said.
Gazans, analysts express mixed feelings about new ceasefire agreement
