Netanyahu Links Gaza Exit to Hamas Disarmament
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israeli forces will not withdraw from their current positions in Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed. His statement has raised fresh uncertainty over a US-backed proposal intended to advance the ceasefire and end the conflict.
Netanyahu Sets Gaza Withdrawal Condition
In a video statement, Netanyahu said Israel had not accepted the draft presented by US President Donald Trump’s administration. He added that Israel had submitted its own comments and would maintain its military positions until Hamas surrendered its weapons.
Israeli forces currently control more than 60% of the Gaza Strip after expanding beyond the withdrawal lines established under the October 2025 ceasefire. Netanyahu said Israel would continue taking measures it considers necessary to protect its territory and citizens.
US-Backed Hamas Disarmament Plan
The proposed framework calls for Hamas to begin disarming while Israel halts military strikes and starts withdrawing from areas currently under its control. It is intended to establish civilian administration in Gaza and create conditions for reconstruction.
Hamas reportedly accepted the broad framework but has linked disarmament to Israeli compliance with ceasefire commitments. Important details, including the sequence of disarmament and troop withdrawal, remain disputed.
Netanyahu’s public rejection of the current draft highlights differences between Israel and the Trump administration over how the agreement should be implemented.
Gaza Ceasefire Faces Fresh Uncertainty
The disagreement follows talks between Netanyahu and representatives of the US-led Board of Peace, which is overseeing efforts to implement the Gaza peace framework. Mediators have urged Israel to halt attacks while negotiations continue.
Israel maintains that Hamas must be fully disarmed and Gaza demilitarised before the war can formally end. Hamas has demanded an Israeli withdrawal, increased humanitarian assistance and guarantees over Gaza’s future governance. The unresolved sequencing dispute could delay implementation of the plan and prolong the military standoff.
