Israel Will Not Withdraw Troops from Gaza Until Hamas Disarms

Senior Israeli officials have asserted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not move even a single centimetre from their current positions unless Hamas completely disarms. Conversely, Hamas has maintained its stance, stating they will only surrender their heavy weaponry if Israel ceases all aggression and fully withdraws from the Gaza Strip.

This diplomatic deadlock follows claims by Donald Trump that the Board of Peace has secured an agreement for the disarmament of Hamas. Trump expressed confidence that Israel is “very pleased” with the draft agreement, describing it as a “giant step for the Middle East.”

However, Israel’s National Security Minister, the far-right Itamar Ben Gvir, immediately criticised the draft, calling it entirely unacceptable. The proposed 20-point peace roadmap was intended to end the suffering of Gaza’s residents, outlining a plan where Hamas weapons would be handed over to the Board of Peace, Israeli forces would withdraw gradually, and the reconstruction of Gaza would commence.

Currently, Israel is unwilling to retreat from the “Yellow Line”—an area through which they control more than 60% of Gaza—until disarmament is achieved. Meanwhile, Hamas demands guarantees for Palestinian independence and a total cessation of attacks as a prerequisite for further progress.

For the two million residents of Gaza living in displacement, this political drama intensifies the humanitarian crisis. Tala, an 18-year-old student living in a refugee tent after her home was destroyed, expressed the growing despair felt by many when ceasefire promises fail to materialise.

The conflict in Gaza escalated following the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. Israel’s military retaliation has since resulted in more than 73,290 deaths in Gaza, according to local Ministry of Health data.

The United States has warned Israel to adhere to the 20-point Gaza reconstruction plan, with Trump reportedly stating he would be deeply disappointed if Tel Aviv obstructs the implementation of the agreement. Hamas and Palestinian factions have agreed to a second stage of a ceasefire, which includes a phased disarmament contingent upon the withdrawal of Israeli forces.