Jerusalem, August 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel will not withdraw its military forces from their current positions in the Gaza Strip until Hamas is completely disarmed, underscoring the country’s security stance as diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire continue.
In a video statement released on social media, Netanyahu said Israeli forces had been instructed to take all necessary measures to protect themselves, Israeli territory and the country’s citizens.
Commenting on US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement regarding a proposed agreement for the “complete disarmament” of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, Netanyahu clarified that Israel had not accepted the draft presented by the White House.
“The White House sent us a draft, but we did not agree to it. It is not our draft. We sent our comments,” he said.
Trump had announced last week that a so-called “Board of Peace” had reached an agreement aimed at securing the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed factions.
A day after that announcement, Hamas said it had accepted the latest version of the proposed roadmap for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement following what it described as intense negotiations. However, the group said any arrangements regarding its weapons would depend on a complete end to Israeli military operations, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and progress on reconstruction efforts.
The latest diplomatic developments come amid continued violence in the enclave. Israeli strikes over the weekend reportedly killed dozens of people, including children and other civilians, prompting mediators Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye to jointly condemn the attacks on Monday.
According to senior US administration officials, the proposed roadmap envisions Hamas relinquishing both its civilian and military governing role in Gaza in favour of a transitional Palestinian administration backed by the international community.
Under the proposal, a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza would assume responsibility for civilian governance, internal security, public institutions, essential services and law enforcement during a transitional phase. The committee would also conduct a comprehensive audit of Gaza’s financial and administrative systems before reconstruction efforts begin.
Officials said the framework would mark the first time Hamas has agreed to an internationally backed plan requiring it to surrender its governing role in Gaza.
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