Israel Will Not Change Policy or Withdraw from Gaza

Following President Donald Trump’s announcement that a deal to disarm Hamas had been reached, Israeli officials said Tel Aviv has no intention of withdrawing its forces from Gaza. 

“Today, the Board of Peace reached a HISTORIC agreement for the COMPLETE DISARMAMENT of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza,” the President wrote on Truth Social Thursday. “This agreement is a critical step towards Gaza finally being governed by a new Palestinian government that will work closely with the Board of Peace to help the Palestinian people.”

Hamas said disarming and disbanding requires Israel to halt attacks on Gaza and withdraw its forces from the Strip. Officials in Tel Aviv suggested it will not follow through with its commitments under the deal. 

Israel continued to attack Gaza over the weekend. On Sunday, a member of the Israeli security cabinet, Ze’ev Elkin, said the IDF will not withdraw from Gaza before Hamas gives up its arms, adding, “There is doubt that this will happen.” He also noted there was no change in Israeli policy towards Gaza. 

In October, Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire brokered by Trump. The deal established the Board of Peace. Under the pact, Hamas released all captive Israelis. Israel agreed to halt attacks on Gaza, allow aid shipments, and eventually withdraw from the Strip. 

However, Israel has continued to attack the Strip and expand its control of the region. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen called on the IDF to take “full control” over the Palestinian territory. 

On Sunday, a top Hamas official said Israel was undermining the agreement and called on the international community to pressure Tel Aviv to comply with the deal. “This escalation, coinciding with progress on the political track, clearly demonstrates that the occupation government is seeking to undermine efforts aimed at ending the war and to impose facts on the ground by force.” He added, “This situation calls for urgent international action to pressure the occupation to halt its crimes and comply with its obligations under the agreement.”