Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly stated that Israeli forces will remain in Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed, dismissing a U.S.-supported plan that connects military withdrawal to a wider peace deal. According to Israeli officials, intelligence suggests that Hamas continues to recruit, rebuild its military capabilities, and stockpile arms. Israel argues that pulling out troops before Hamas is disarmed could enable the group to reclaim control of Gaza, posing ongoing security threats.
The U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal involves several key components: Hamas would need to relinquish its weapons and dismantle its tunnel network, while Israeli forces would withdraw in phases. Additionally, the plan calls for the establishment of a Palestinian technocratic government, the deployment of an international security force, and the reconstruction of Gaza.
In recent days, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 17 people, including children. Meanwhile, Palestinians conducted a mass funeral after rescue teams recovered over 100 bodies from the site of a significant Israeli airstrike in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood in November 2023. Recovery operations are ongoing, with many victims still believed to be trapped beneath the debris.
The conflict was ignited by a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages, setting off the current hostilities in Gaza.