The Global Story The Global Story

Will Hamas actually disarm?

Aug 6, 2026 · 27m

Summary

This episode examines the viability of President Trump’s Gaza peace plan, which proposes Hamas disarmament in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal. BBC’s Jeremy Bowen and Gaza correspondent Rushdie Abu-Alouf analyze the deal’s ambiguities, noting Israel’s reluctance to withdraw and Hamas’s surprising acceptance driven by internal shifts and humanitarian crisis. The discussion highlights the lack of trust, undefined timelines, and the absence of key implementation bodies, casting doubt on whether the agreement can move beyond rhetoric to reality.

Topics discussed

Intro: Trump's Gaza peace plan and initial reactions Deal details: Disarmament, withdrawal, and missing logistics Background: Mediation efforts and Israeli skepticism Hamas's shift: Why they agreed to disarm now Rushdie Abu-Alouf on Hamas's internal changes Leadership change and failed Iran strategy Life in Gaza: Ceasefire reality and expanding control Political hurdles: Israeli elections and trust issues Outro: Credits and listener feedback
Listen ad-free on Castria