Netanyahu insists on Hamas disarmament before Gaza withdrawal

Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel’s military “will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed.” His statement came after weeks of indirect talks in Doha, where U.S. and Qatari mediators tried to broker a ceasefire and hostage release deal. Netanyahu’s refusal marks a sharp break from earlier understandings that Israel might pull back forces in exchange for Hamas releasing hostages and easing conditions in Gaza.

The shift follows months of stalled negotiations and rising tensions. In January, Israel and Hamas agreed to a temporary truce that paused fighting for seven days, allowing some hostages to go free and aid to enter Gaza. But that deal collapsed, and since then, fighting has intensified in southern Gaza, particularly in Rafah, where Israeli forces have launched repeated strikes. Netanyahu’s stance now suggests Israel will not reduce its military presence until Hamas no longer poses a threat—a condition Hamas has repeatedly rejected, arguing that disarmament would leave Gaza defenseless.

Netanyahu’s comments also signal a growing divide with the White House. Earlier this month, former President Donald Trump claimed he had secured a “beautiful” deal to end the war, though details were vague. The White House has not endorsed Trump’s plan, and U.S. officials have privately expressed frustration with both sides’ lack of progress. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. Over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed since October, according to Gaza health officials, and nearly the entire population faces food insecurity.

What happens next could hinge on whether Israel’s allies pressure Netanyahu to soften his stance. Egypt and Qatar are still trying to revive talks, but Hamas insists any deal must include a full Israeli withdrawal and an end to the blockade. With Netanyahu’s government under pressure from far-right allies who oppose concessions, the path to peace remains narrow. The longer the standoff continues, the more civilians will suffer—and the harder it will be to rebuild trust for any future agreement.