1 - August 1, 2026 'Zero-trust’ pact forces Netanyahu to pull troops out of Gaza and keep workers for terror group in government Hamas has agreed to give up its weapons. In a moment many thought would never come, Donald Trump announced late on Thursday that the terror group had agreed with the Board of Peace to a staged handover that is contingent on a withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from Gaza. Existing Hamas-run governance structures in the Strip – and, to an extent, the police – will remain in place, ready for takeover by a transitional government. On the face of it, it is a good deal for Hamas. It forces Israel to stop bombing, and it potentially allows the terror group to keep weapons in Gaza for the time being, albeit not under its direct control. With an election looming, it is also not a great look for Benjamin Netanyahu to be seen withdrawing troops from Gaza. But there are many key details to be ironed out, and potential for Israel to derail implementation if it sees fit. Israel shall fully complete, without delay, all remaining commitments under Sharm Sheikh Protocol, particularly the cessation of military operations as detailed in annex (1). Hamas and the Palestinian factions shall complete the cessation of all military operations in accordance with Sharm Sheikh Protocol and the Peace Plan. Mr Trump’s original 20-point plan demanded the end to military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment. In other words, “stop bombing now”. Since then, the IDF has killed more than 1,000 Gazans, many of whom are children. We do not know how many of the dead were Hamas terrorists, but either way, the original deal did not allow Israel to launch strikes against activity it deemed suspicious.