Netanyahu Rejects US Gaza Peace Plan, Demands Full Hamas Disarmament Before Withdrawal

### Diplomatic Deadlock Intensifies Over Gaza Disarmament

**JERUSALEM** — In a stark affirmation of Israel's current military strategy, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will maintain their presence in currently controlled areas of the Gaza Strip. The Prime Minister emphasized that any strategic withdrawal is strictly contingent upon the "complete disarmament" of Hamas, creating a significant diplomatic hurdle for international peace efforts.

Through a video message released on social media on Tuesday, August 4, Netanyahu addressed the recent diplomatic initiatives spearheaded by the United States. He explicitly stated that Israel has not accepted the framework proposed by the U.S. administration regarding the disarmament of Hamas. According to the Prime Minister, while the White House had submitted a draft proposal to the Israeli government, the terms were found to be unsatisfactory.

"That was not our draft," Netanyahu stated, clarifying that the Israeli government had already submitted its own set of modifications and requirements to the U.S. officials. He further indicated that he has issued direct orders to the Israeli Defense Forces to utilize all necessary measures to ensure the continued security and stability of the state, signaling that military readiness remains the priority over premature diplomatic concessions.

This development follows an announcement made on July 30 by Donald Trump via his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump had previously claimed that a "Peace Committee" initiated by the United States had successfully reached an agreement concerning the "comprehensive disarmament" of Hamas and other armed factions operating within the Gaza Strip. The U.S. proposal seemingly aimed to create a roadmap for peace by neutralizing the militant capabilities of Hamas in exchange for a phased transition of control.

However, the reaction from Hamas has been one of cautious defiance. In an interview on July 31, high-ranking Hamas official Hammad asserted that the organization's willingness to disarm is inextricably linked to the actions of the Israeli military. Hammad argued that any disarmament process would depend entirely on the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and tangible progress in the region's reconstruction efforts.

"If the Israeli military does not fulfill their obligations, Hamas will not execute any part of the agreement," Hammad warned, highlighting a fundamental disagreement over the sequence of events. While Israel demands disarmament as a prerequisite for withdrawal, Hamas demands withdrawal as a prerequisite for disarmament.

This strategic impasse underscores the volatility of the current negotiations. The U.S. has attempted to bridge the gap by offering assurances that Israeli forces could remain in place until the disarmament process is verified. Yet, these guarantees have not been enough to satisfy the security concerns of the Netanyahu administration or the political demands of Hamas leadership.

As the conflict persists, the divergence between the U.S. peace vision and the ground reality in Gaza suggests a prolonged period of instability. With both sides refusing to take the first step toward disarmament or withdrawal, the region remains trapped in a cycle of military occupation and militant resistance, while diplomatic channels struggle to find a middle ground that satisfies the security imperatives of both parties.