January 29, 2026 l Dalena Reporter
Washington, United States — U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that Hamas appears poised to disarm, a critical component of advancing the ceasefire between the militant group and Israel in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The announcement came during a White House cabinet meeting, where Trump described emerging signs of cooperation that had not been previously confirmed by Hamas officials.
Trump stated that many observers had doubted a disarmament outcome but that recent developments suggested the militants might relinquish their weapons, remarking, “A lot of people said they’ll never disarm. It looks like they’re going to disarm.”
The president credited Hamas with assisting in the return of the remains of the last hostage held in Gaza, naming Ran Gvili, and said that the efforts had been meaningful for the hostage’s family.
Trump’s remarks were informed by an update from his special envoy Steve Witkoff, who expressed confidence in the progress of demilitarization, asserting to the president and officials that Hamas forces were willing to relinquish weapons including AK-47 rifles because they “have no choice.”
Despite optimistic language from U.S. officials, there has been no formal confirmation from Hamas itself that it will give up its armaments entirely. The militant group has previously acknowledged the return of Gvili’s remains as a sign of commitment to the ceasefire but maintained that it has not surrendered its weapons.
Disarmament remains a central element of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement sealed in October 2025, which seeks to stabilize the battered Gaza Strip and facilitate transition to Palestinian governance structures.
Also reported Thursday, the United Nations World Food Programme announced the shutdown of its operations in Houthi-controlled northern Yemen, citing increased restrictions and safety concerns for aid workers a move that humanitarian officials said could deepen the severe food security crisis in the war-torn nation.