Israeli Officials and Civilians Reject Reported Hamas Peace Deal in Gaza Buffer Zone

Details of a reported agreement between Hamas and the International Peace Council to manage Gaza have surfaced, sparking strong opposition across Israel's political spectrum and civil society. The deal reportedly involves a planned Israeli military withdrawal from the Gaza border area prior to Hamas's disarmament, a condition that has drawn sharp criticism.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's National Security Minister and a coalition member, vehemently opposed the agreement, insisting on continuing military action against Hamas until the group's complete destruction. He stated, "With Nazis, you only talk through force, no other way. We do not commit to halting targeted killings or sign deals with terrorists, whether directly or through intermediaries. After the October 7 massacre, the Prime Minister must clarify that Israel's only acceptable solution in Gaza is encouraging emigration and destroying Hamas."

From the opposition, former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman also condemned the deal, calling any agreement with Hamas a return to the failed approach that led to the October 7 attacks. He emphasized that Hamas must be eliminated rather than negotiated with.

The civilian movement "Future for the Gaza Envelope" echoed these sentiments, demanding that the Israeli government refuse any rehabilitation efforts before Hamas is fully disarmed, stripped of its political and military power, and the threat to border communities is permanently removed.