No Full Withdrawal from Gaza, Says Netanyahu as Trump Pushes for Peace Plan

International News: Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again vowed on Sunday to disarm Hamas. His statement came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump accepted some points of a Gaza peace proposal, which also included the release of all hostages. According to Netanyahu, Hamas will be disarmed either through Trump’s peace plan or by Israeli military action. He also made it clear that Israel will not completely withdraw from Gaza, something Hamas has long been demanding.

'Army Will Keep Control Over Gaza Areas'

In a video message in Hebrew, Netanyahu said, “The Israeli army will maintain control over the areas it holds in Gaza, and in the second phase of the plan, Hamas will be disarmed — whether through diplomatic means or by our military actions. Trump will not accept any delay in this process.”

'Hamas Will Be Disarmed in the Second Phase'

Netanyahu added that in the second stage, Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza will be demilitarized. “This will happen either through Trump’s plan using diplomatic means or through our military efforts. It will either be the easy way or the hard way,” he said.

'All Hostages May Be Released Soon'

The Israeli Prime Minister said he expects that the release of all hostages from Gaza will be announced in the coming days, as Israel and Hamas prepare for talks in Egypt on Monday. He said, “My fellow Israeli citizens, brothers and sisters, we are on the verge of a major achievement. It is not final yet, but we are working hard on it. I hope that during the upcoming Sukkot holidays, I will be able to announce the return of all our hostages both living and dead. Meanwhile, the IDF continues to operate inside Gaza and in the areas under its control.”

'Hamas Agrees to Some Points of the Peace Proposal'

On Friday night, Hamas agreed to certain points in Trump’s Gaza peace plan. These include ending the war, Israeli withdrawal, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, aid and reconstruction efforts, and opposition to the expulsion of Palestinians from the region. Trump had warned the group to accept his plan by 6 p.m. (U.S. time) on Sunday or face “total destruction.” Later, Trump urged Hamas to move quickly and reach a peace agreement with Israel, or face “more devastation” in Gaza. He also warned Israel to stop bombings in the region. However, just hours after Trump’s warning, Israel launched attacks on Gaza, killing six people.

Israel’s Attack on Gaza

According to a Reuters report, four people were killed in one attack on a house in Gaza City, while two others died in another strike in Khan Younis. On Sunday morning, President Trump claimed that Israel had agreed to an initial withdrawal line, and once Hamas confirmed it, a ceasefire would follow.