**Title: Israel to Withdraw from Gaza Only After Hamas Disarms, Says Trump’s Peace Council**
In a recent statement, the US President Donald Trump’s Peace Council outlined the conditions under which Israeli forces would withdraw from the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that such a withdrawal will only occur once Hamas has fully disarmed. This announcement follows discussions between the council and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as efforts to bring an end to the ongoing conflict continue.
The Peace Council articulated its position in a statement shared on social media platform X, indicating that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) will maintain their presence in Gaza until Hamas fulfills its disarmament commitments. The statement specified, “The full withdrawal of the Israel Defence Forces beyond the Yellow Line will not take place until the disarmament, to which Hamas committed to the mediators, is completed.” The Yellow Line serves as the military demarcation separating regions of Gaza controlled by Hamas from those held by Israeli forces.
This announcement comes at a crucial time, as the conflict in the region has now extended into its third year. The Peace Council has presented a proposed roadmap aimed at ending hostilities, which includes plans for transferring governance in Gaza to a new Palestinian administrative body and overseeing the phased dismantling of Hamas’ military infrastructure.
Key elements of the proposal involve the decommissioning and secure storage of heavy weapons, military production facilities, weapons depots, and tunnel networks, all to be conducted under the supervision of a planned National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. This committee is intended to ensure that the disarmament process is carried out effectively and transparently.
Hamas has indicated a willingness to accept what it has termed a “difficult and painful” agreement. However, the group insists that its acceptance hinges on Israel fulfilling its obligations under a previous ceasefire framework, which includes ceasing military operations and withdrawing its forces from Gaza.
Israeli officials have consistently maintained that a complete military withdrawal will only happen once Hamas is effectively disarmed and no longer poses a security threat to Israel. The Peace Council's latest statement reinforces this stance, making it clear that the withdrawal of Israeli forces beyond the Yellow Line is contingent upon the successful completion of the disarmament process as agreed upon by mediators.
Despite the progress in discussions, significant differences remain unresolved between the two sides regarding the sequencing of military withdrawal, disarmament, and the future governance of Gaza. The proposal requires acceptance and implementation from both parties, which may prove challenging given the historical complexities of the conflict.
As the situation develops, the international community continues to watch closely, hoping for a resolution that could lead to lasting peace in the region. The ongoing negotiations highlight the intricate balance of power and the deep-rooted issues that have fueled the conflict for years.
Both sides face pressure to reach an agreement that addresses the security concerns of Israel while also providing for the governance and humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people in Gaza. The coming weeks may prove critical as the parties work to navigate these challenges and seek a path forward.