Israel To Stay In Gaza Until Hamas Is Fully Disarmed, Netanyahu Declares

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said Israel would not withdraw from its current military positions in the Gaza Strip until Hamas is completely disarmed, rejecting the sequence outlined in a recently announced agreement backed by US President Donald Trump. His remarks have cast fresh uncertainty over diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a lasting ceasefire in the nearly two-year-long conflict. Netanyahu maintained that Israel's military presence would continue until it was satisfied that Hamas no longer posed a security threat, signalling that his government remains committed to its long-standing objective of dismantling the group's military capabilities before considering any large-scale withdrawal.

The proposed agreement called for Hamas to begin a process of disarmament while Israel would suspend military operations and gradually pull back from roughly 60 per cent of Gaza that is currently under Israeli control. The framework was viewed by many observers as a potential breakthrough after months of negotiations involving international mediators. It was designed to build on an October ceasefire agreement that halted major military operations and secured the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. However, progress on broader political and security issues has remained slow, with both sides continuing to disagree on the conditions required for a permanent end to the conflict.

Netanyahu, however, made it clear that Israel would not accept any arrangement that allowed Hamas to retain its military infrastructure or weapons. Reiterating his government's position, he said the disarmament of Hamas must come before any Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. "We will do whatever is necessary to protect ourselves, our territory, and our citizens," Netanyahu said, underlining that Israel's security concerns remain paramount. His comments suggest that despite diplomatic momentum, Israel is unwilling to alter its military strategy unless its key security objectives are fully met.

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The Israeli leader's remarks also highlighted a rare public difference with the Trump administration, which had promoted the agreement as an important step toward ending the war. While the United States has remained one of Israel's closest allies throughout the conflict, Netanyahu's response indicates that his government is not prepared to endorse every aspect of the proposed framework. The disagreement could complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts, as mediators attempt to bridge the gap between Israel's security demands and calls for a broader ceasefire and humanitarian relief in Gaza.

The war has had devastating consequences for the Gaza Strip, with widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure and public services, while humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned of severe shortages of food, medicine and other essential supplies. International pressure has continued to mount for a sustainable ceasefire that would allow greater humanitarian access and create conditions for long-term political negotiations. At the same time, Israeli officials have consistently argued that any settlement must ensure Hamas cannot regroup or rebuild its military capabilities, citing the need to prevent future attacks against Israel.

Netanyahu's latest comments come as he prepares for a difficult re-election battle in October, with national security expected to remain a central campaign issue. His insistence that Hamas must be fully disarmed before Israeli forces leave Gaza reflects a position he has maintained throughout the conflict and is likely to resonate with supporters who favour a hardline security approach. However, the remarks also raise fresh questions about the future of the Trump-backed proposal and whether negotiators can reach a compromise acceptable to both sides. For now, the prospects for a broader agreement remain uncertain, with significant differences persisting over the sequencing of disarmament, military withdrawal and the long-term governance and security of Gaza.

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