Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly stated that Israeli troops will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed, dismissing a proposal backed by the United States that links military withdrawal to a broader peace agreement. According to Israeli officials, intelligence reports suggest that Hamas continues to recruit fighters, rebuild its military capabilities, and replenish its arsenal. Israel argues that pulling out troops prematurely would allow Hamas to regain control of Gaza, thereby posing renewed security threats.
The US-brokered ceasefire proposal includes several components: the surrender of Hamas’ weapons, dismantling of its tunnel networks, phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, establishment of a Palestinian technocratic administration, deployment of an international security force, and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. However, Israel maintains that these conditions must be met before considering any troop withdrawal to ensure the long-term security of the region.
In recent days, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 17 people, including children. The escalation follows a series of events that began with Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which left around 1,200 people dead and led to the abduction of 251 hostages. This attack triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has seen continued violence and destruction.
Meanwhile, Palestinians have held a mass funeral after rescue teams recovered more than 100 bodies from the site of a major Israeli airstrike in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood, conducted in November 2023. Recovery operations are still underway, with many victims believed to be trapped beneath the rubble, highlighting the devastating human toll of the conflict.