Hamas vows to disarm here are the five questions that could make or break the Gaza peace deal

WASHINGTON — Hamas says it’s finally ready to lay down its weapons, a feat that could reshape the Middle East after nearly two decades of war and bloodshed — but even President Trump had questions over whether it will actually happen during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday.If implemented, it would mark the first time Hamas has formally agreed to dismantle its military wing since seizing control of Gaza in 2007.“Most people said that would be a deal that would be undoable,” he said.“Now, will it go through? It’s a very complex situation over there — the people are very complex and difficult.

Many cases wonderful, and many cases not so wonderful.But that will be a — it’s a great breakthrough.”The framework, released Friday, envisions Hamas disarming under international supervision as part of a broader deal to end the war in Gaza and hand control of the enclave to a new Palestinian governing body.The president pointed out how the agreement — which would move Trump’s Gaza peace deal into its long-delayed second phase — is historic even before Hamas follows through with laying down its arms.“Nobody thought that would be possible to disarm Hamas,” he said.

“…It’s a big step for the Middle East, and people are really impressed by it, and they’re surprised by it.”The first stage, which began in October, began a cease-fire between Hamas and Israel — which has mostly held but remains fragile.As Phase 2 moves forward, here are the five questions likely to determine whether it’s a historic breakthrough — or just another false dawn.This is the billion-dollar question.It’s one thing for Hamas to announce it’s willing to disarm — it’s another to actually do it.The terror group is believed to possess thousands of assault rifles, rocket launchers, mortars, anti-tank weapons, explosives and an extensive network of underground tunnels built over nearly two decades of conflict, according to the Institute for National S...