Israeli official says troops won't pull back in Gaza without 'genuine' Hamas disarmament
A senior Israeli official has stated that IDF troops will not withdraw from Gaza without the genuine disarmament of Hamas. This follows claims by Donald Trump regarding a US-brokered peace plan, though the proposal faces internal opposition within the Israeli government.
Why it matters
The disarmament of Hamas is a central pillar of ongoing ceasefire negotiations and is critical to the stability of the Middle East and the future of Gaza's governance.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Jessica Rawnsley Reuters Hamas weapons would be handed over to the Board of Peace, Trump said A senior Israeli official has said troops will not pull back from their current positions in Gaza without the "genuine disarmament" of Palestinian armed group Hamas in the territory.
Hamas meanwhile said handing over its heavy weapons was contingent on Israel ending "all forms of aggression" and withdrawing its forces from Gaza.
It comes after Donald Trump said the Board of Peace had reached an agreement for the "complete disarmament" of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza.
On Friday Trump insisted that Israel was "very happy" with the proposed agreement, describing it as a "big step for the Middle East". However far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir dismissed the draft as "not acceptable".
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