Israel Firmly Rejects Partial Gaza Withdrawal Amid Palestinian Reports of Deal
Amid Palestinian reports suggesting emerging agreements for a second phase in Gaza involving a partial Israeli withdrawal and Hamas retaining weapons, a senior Israeli official issued a firm denial. The official clarified that Israel has lodged strong objections to the "15-point document" proposed by international envoy Tony Blair, emphasizing that no Israeli pullback will occur without the full disarmament of Hamas and removal of all weapons from Gaza.
The Israeli source stressed that the Gaza issue was not discussed during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Israel demands complete dismantling of Hamas's arsenal and full demilitarization of the Gaza Strip as preconditions for any progress. The 15-point plan, which reportedly includes Israeli withdrawal in exchange for Hamas storing heavy weapons without disarmament, does not meet Israel's security requirements.
This public clarification marks an unusual and direct confrontation with Washington and international mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, signaling Israel's refusal to accept any agreement that leaves Hamas armed. The Israeli military continues operations in Gaza, recently completing an eight-month mission destroying key Hamas underground infrastructure, including tunnels used to hold hostages.
The Israeli official's statement highlights a significant gap between Palestinian media reports and Israel's official stance, indicating that negotiations remain far from resolution. Israel maintains its "yellow line", the strategic positions captured during ground operations, as a non-negotiable security boundary until Hamas is fully disarmed.
Summary: Israel strongly rejects Palestinian claims of a Gaza ceasefire deal involving partial withdrawal and Hamas retaining weapons, insisting on full Hamas disarmament before any pullback. The stance signals a public dispute with Washington and underscores ongoing military operations in Gaza.
