Israel Conditions Gaza Withdrawal on Complete Hamas Disarmament, Overseen by International Force

The Quartet on the Middle East issued an official statement on Monday clarifying that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will only fully withdraw from Gaza after Hamas completes the total disarmament of all weapons, including light arms, heavy weapons, and tunnels. This condition is part of the roadmap to implement the Trump administration's plan for Gaza, emphasizing a transition from military to civilian governance in the territory.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met earlier the same day with Nikolay Mladenov, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and representative of the Quartet, in a detailed and constructive discussion. Both sides reaffirmed their shared goal of completely dismantling Hamas's arsenal and establishing civilian rule in Gaza. The process will be gradual and closely monitored by an international stabilization force and a verification committee including the United States and the Quartet.

The announcement came amid internal Israeli political tensions, with ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Yoav Struck demanding an immediate security cabinet meeting, arguing that the Quartet's official document differed significantly from what was presented in cabinet discussions. Meanwhile, the IDF continues intensive security operations in Gaza, recently killing two senior Hamas operatives and destroying five weapons caches containing assault rifles, explosives, anti-tank launchers, and ammunition.

Security officials also noted ongoing attempts by Gaza terrorist groups to smuggle weapons via drones from Sinai. A senior security source expressed skepticism that Hamas will disarm voluntarily, predicting Israel will maintain a presence in Gaza and conduct operations against Hamas similar to its West Bank model for years to come.