Netanyahu refuses Gaza withdrawal until Hamas disarms
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Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israeli forces will not pull back from their positions in the Gaza Strip until Hamas is completely disarmed, rejecting a draft peace agreement recently announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking in a video statement released on social media, Netanyahu clarified that while the White House forwarded a draft agreement regarding Hamas's disarmament, Israel had not endorsed the document.
"It is not our draft. We sent our comments," Netanyahu said, adding that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) remain instructed to take all necessary measures to protect the country and its citizens.
Netanyahu’s remarks follow President Trump's announcement of a proposal put forward by a "Board of Peace" aimed at achieving the complete disarmament of Hamas and other militant factions in Gaza. Under the U.S.-backed roadmap, Hamas would step down from both its civilian and military governing roles in the enclave.
Control would instead transfer to a transitional "National Committee for the Administration of Gaza"—an independent Palestinian body tasked with overseeing public institutions, maintaining order, and conducting financial audits ahead of reconstruction efforts. Senior administration officials noted that the framework marks the first instance of Hamas agreeing to relinquish its administrative authority to an international governing framework.
Responding to the announcement, Hamas stated it accepted the latest ceasefire roadmap following extensive negotiations. However, the group made its weapon arrangements contingent on a total end to Israeli military operations, a complete withdrawal of IDF troops from Gaza, and concrete progress on rebuilding the territory.
Tensions escalated over the weekend following Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that reportedly killed dozens of civilians, including children. The strikes drew a joint condemnation on Monday from key ceasefire mediators Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
(Inputs from IANS)