Last week, in a surprise announcement, President Donald Trump described what would be a historic transition: Hamas has agreed to disarm and to give up its political power in Gaza, the president said.
The announcement, made in a Truth Social post, came after diplomatic talks overseen by Egypt, Qatar and Turkey. Those nations are members of the Trump-created Board of Peace that was formed in January to work toward a terrorist-free Gaza Strip at peace with Israel.
With negotiating help from their neighbors, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement in October 2025. That progress toward peace took another step in January when Hamas handed over the remains of the last Israeli hostage taken back to Gaza after the October 2023 attack.
Reacting to last week’s announcement, Dr. David Wurmser took a pessimistic stance during a “Washington Watch” interview. That pessimism, he said, came from details of the negotiations.
“First of all, Hamas hasn’t really committed to disarmament,” Wurmser clarified. “They committed to turning over their weapons to this new Palestinian authority – this technocratic government – rather than disarming.”
If a new government is created to oversee Gaza, and Hamas loses its political power, Wurmser predicted, Hamas will use its political influence to choose government officials who are sympathetic to its cause even if they’re not Hamas members.
Gaza and its Palestinian population haven’t held an election since 2006, when Hamas won a majority of seats in parliament. It has ruled the 25-mile-long territory ever since, using violence, propaganda, and food supplies to maintain control.
Formed in the 1980s from Egypt and its Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas launched its first military attack against Israel in 1989, when it abducted and killed two IDF soldiers.
Turning to the Israelis, who are watching these negotiations with Hamas take place, Wurmser said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to be diplomatic. He is trying to support Trump in his pursuit of peace but is skeptical the Hamas terrorists will turn over their weapons.
“He doesn’t believe that’s going to happen,” Wurmser said of Netanyahu.
Wurmser likened the negotiations with Hamas to President Trump attempting to negotiate with Iran’s regime, which was no compliment for the other side that he said can’t be trusted to uphold any promises.
