Gaza Ceasefire Faces Fresh Test as Trump Board Reassures Israel on Hamas Disarmament
The Board of Peace says Israel will begin withdrawing from parts of Gaza only after Hamas completes its promised disarmament, addressing concerns raised by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israeli and US officials continue discussions over the Gaza ceasefire framework.
Gaza Ceasefire negotiations entered another critical phase on Monday after US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel would not begin withdrawing from parts of Gaza until Hamas fully disarms.
The clarification followed objections from Netanyahu’s government after the board released a framework outlining a phased Israeli withdrawal. Israeli officials argued that the published version did not accurately reflect Israel’s position, prompting fresh consultations with Washington.
More than 100 words into the article – Gaza Ceasefire the Board of Peace said it had reached a “common understanding” with Israel after high representative Nickolay Mladenov held talks with Netanyahu. According to the board, Israel will withdraw beyond the Yellow Line—the area where Hamas still exercises control—only after Hamas completes the decommissioning of its weapons as promised to international mediators.
Israel Seeks Changes to Gaza Framework
Netanyahu’s office said it raised concerns with US officials after President Trump described Hamas’ agreement to surrender its weapons to a new Palestinian governing committee as a “major milestone.”
Government spokesman Doron Spielman said the framework released publicly does not reflect Israel’s official position. Two members of Netanyahu’s security cabinet also demanded a new cabinet vote on the Gaza plan.
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich argued that the published proposal differed significantly from the version presented to Israel’s security cabinet and called for immediate reconsideration.
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Hamas Awaits Official Response
Hamas said it remains committed to implementing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, including obligations accepted by all parties.
In a statement released on Telegram, the group said it is waiting for an official response from Nickolay Mladenov and the international mediators regarding the final terms of the agreement.
Even if Israel proceeds with the withdrawal plan, it would continue controlling significant areas of Gaza under the October ceasefire framework supported by the Trump administration.
Trump and Netanyahu Show Policy Differences
The latest developments have highlighted continuing differences between Trump and Netanyahu over regional policy.
While Trump welcomed Hamas’ disarmament commitment, Netanyahu’s government sought stronger guarantees before approving any troop withdrawal.
The two leaders have also disagreed over Iran, with Israel expressing scepticism about Trump’s diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict that escalated earlier this year.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the latest progress but stressed that any agreement must ensure Hamas fully disarms before implementation.
Violence Continues Despite Diplomatic Efforts
Fighting continued despite ongoing negotiations.
According to Gaza’s civil defence agency, an Israeli airstrike west of Gaza City killed two Palestinians and injured several others on Monday. The Israeli military said it targeted two Hamas fighters.
Civil defence officials also reported that Israeli attacks on Sunday killed 19 Palestinians, including women and children.
Meanwhile, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, which are mediating the ceasefire negotiations, criticised Israel over renewed military operations in Gaza. The three countries condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and expressed concern over casualties among women and children.
