Israel Demands Gaza Disarmament to Begin on October 7, Tied to Ceasefire Agreement

Israeli sources informed Al-Arabiya that Israel insists the disarmament of weapons in the Gaza Strip must start on October 7, a date that holds significant and grim symbolism in Israel as it marks the beginning of the October 7, 2023 massacre. This demand comes amid political and security negotiations involving multiple parties.

According to the sources, former U.S. President Donald Trump's comments on the issue followed Israeli public opinion polls showing resistance to Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The Peace Council stated that the political future of Hamas leaders in any future Palestinian government depends on their disarmament. UN envoy Nikolay Mladenov has reportedly told Hamas that negotiations cannot proceed while weapons remain widespread in Gaza.

The Peace Council conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel will not commit to any withdrawal from Gaza before Hamas is fully disarmed, as part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement dated October 10, 2025. Meanwhile, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem confirmed to AFP that Hamas is committed to the agreed path but claimed Israel has yet to provide clear approval to mediators regarding the roadmap.

These developments follow a series of meetings by U.S. envoy Jared Kushner in Egypt and Israel, where it was agreed that an American officer would oversee the weapons handover process in Gaza.