Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has firmly stated that Israeli forces will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed, dismissing a proposal supported by the United States that connects military withdrawal to a broader peace deal. According to Israeli authorities, intelligence evaluations suggest that Hamas continues to recruit fighters, strengthen its military infrastructure, and restock its arsenal. Israel argues that pulling out troops before Hamas is disarmed would allow the organization to reestablish its control over Gaza, presenting renewed security risks.
The US-sponsored ceasefire framework proposes a series of steps including Hamas surrendering its weapons, dismantling its tunnel network, a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, the creation of a Palestinian technocratic government, the deployment of an international security force, and the reconstruction of Gaza. However, Israel’s stance remains firm on not proceeding with troop withdrawal until complete disarmament of Hamas is achieved.
Amid these developments, recent Israeli airstrikes have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 17 individuals, including children. In a separate incident, Palestinians conducted a mass funeral following the recovery of over 100 bodies from an area in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood, the site of a significant Israeli airstrike in November 2023. Efforts to recover more victims are ongoing, as many are still believed to be trapped under the debris.
The conflict was ignited by a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which led to the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages, sparking the current hostilities in Gaza.