Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly dismissed the possibility of withdrawing Israeli troops from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed. This decision counters a U.S.-supported plan that ties military withdrawal to a broader peace accord. Israeli authorities have emphasized that intelligence reports suggest Hamas continues to recruit new fighters, rebuild its military capabilities, and acquire more arms. Israel argues that a premature troop withdrawal would enable Hamas to reestablish its control over Gaza, posing a renewed security threat.
The U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal outlines conditions such as the surrender of Hamas’ weapons, dismantling of its tunnel networks, and a step-by-step withdrawal of Israeli forces. The plan also includes establishing a Palestinian technocratic government, deploying an international security force, and reconstructing Gaza. However, the Israeli leadership remains unconvinced of the plan’s effectiveness without the complete disarmament of Hamas.
In recent days, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 17 individuals, including children. In a separate incident, Palestinians held a mass funeral after rescue operations recovered over 100 bodies from the site of a significant Israeli airstrike in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood, which occurred in November 2023. Recovery efforts continue as many victims are believed to still be trapped under the debris.
The ongoing conflict was triggered by an attack from Hamas on October 7, 2023, which targeted southern Israel. This assault left approximately 1,200 people dead and led to the abduction of 251 hostages, marking the beginning of the current war in Gaza.