US announces second phase of Gaza ceasefire plan and demands Hamas disarm

The United States announced the start of the second phase of a ceasefire plan for Gaza. This phase involves forming a Palestinian committee to manage the territory and focuses on the disarmament of Hamas.

Trump, who is mentioned in many of the reports, has repeatedly warned that Hamas must give up its weapons or face being destroyed. A senior Hamas official stated the group never agreed to disarm and has not been directly asked to do so. The US has outlined a plan that includes an internationally funded weapons buyback program and potential amnesty for those who hand over arms.

Hamas says it has instructed its agencies in Gaza to prepare to hand over responsibilities to an international committee as part of the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes and Palestinian casualties have continued to be reported in Gaza.