Israeli PM cites Trump’s Gaza peace plan as potential diplomatic path while signaling continued military presence in Gaza
Netanyahu Pledges Hamas Demilitarisation With or Without Peace Deal
In a defiant statement on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to disarm Hamas in the Gaza Strip, promising it will happen “either the easy way or the hard way.”
His remarks came just a day after Hamas reportedly accepted parts of former US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, including an agreement to release all hostages held in the enclave.
“Hamas will be disarmed. Gaza will be demilitarised. This will happen diplomatically through Trump’s plan or militarily by us,” Netanyahu said in a Hebrew-language video address.
Israel Rules Out Full Withdrawal from Gaza
Netanyahu clarified that Israel will not fully withdraw from Gaza, contradicting one of Hamas’ longstanding demands.
- Israeli forces will retain control over strategic areas within the Gaza Strip.
- Disarmament of Hamas is part of the second phase of Trump’s peace proposal, should it proceed
Netanyahu: Hostage Release May Happen “In Coming Days”
Netanyahu hinted at an imminent breakthrough in negotiations with Hamas, stating that he hopes to announce the release of hostages “within days,” potentially before the end of the Sukkot holiday.
“We are working diligently, and I hope to soon announce the return of all our hostages—both the living and the deceased,” he said.
Talks are set to continue in Egypt on Monday, with both Israeli and Hamas delegations expected to participate.
Trump Issues Ultimatum, Warns of “Further Devastation”
On Friday night, Hamas reportedly accepted parts of Trump’s revised Gaza peace deal, including:
- Ending hostilities
- Gradual Israeli withdrawal
- Hostage and prisoner exchange
- Humanitarian aid and recovery operations
- Opposition to forced Palestinian displacement
However, Trump had issued an ultimatum, stating Hamas had until Sunday, 6 PM (US time) to agree or face “all hell.”
“Move quickly or risk further devastation,” Trump warned Hamas. He also urged Israel to halt bombing in Gaza.
Israeli Strikes Continue Despite Diplomatic Talks
Despite Hamas’ partial agreement, Israeli airstrikes resumed hours later, killing at least six people in separate incidents:
- Four killed in Gaza City
- Two killed in Khan Younis
According to Reuters, the strikes have drawn criticism amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Trump: “Ceasefire Will Begin Immediately After Confirmation”
Earlier Sunday, Trump claimed Israel had agreed to an initial withdrawal line, awaiting Hamas’ final confirmation.
“Once Hamas confirms, a ceasefire will immediately take effect, the hostage and prisoner exchange will begin, and preparations for the next phase will proceed,” Trump wrote on his social media platform.
He called it a step toward ending what he described as a “3,000-year catastrophe.”
Summary
- Netanyahu pledges to disarm Hamas, diplomatically or militarily
- Hamas accepts parts of Trump’s Gaza peace plan
- Hostage talks ongoing, announcement expected soon
- Israel continues airstrikes, despite partial ceasefire agreement
- Trump urges both sides to commit or face escalation
Related News : Trump to Hamas: ‘Move Quickly or All Bets Are Off’ on Gaza Peace Deal
