Netanyahu Silent on Gaza Plan As Israel Demands Hamas Disarm First

Trump hailed the plan as a "major milestone" on Thursday, with Hamas committing to disarm and Israel withdrawing in phases. However, Israel's defense minister said Sunday that troops would not move until Hamas disarms and tunnels are destroyed, while Hamas insists Israel must halt attacks first. Israeli media reported Netanyahu told envoy Nickolay Mladenov that the IDF would not pull back, after airstrikes killed 28 people over the weekend, though bombardment stopped Monday.

The Board of Peace said Mladenov had a "constructive and detailed" meeting, noting full withdrawal would occur only after decommissioning. Israel's National Security Council raised concerns the deal won't achieve disarmament, and a Netanyahu spokesperson told that nothing can happen before Hamas completely and truly disarms. Israel has expanded control to 60-70% of Gaza, up from 53% last year, displacing residents in at least five areas.