Israel Expresses Doubts Over Proposed Disarmament Deal with Hamas

Israel has communicated its concerns to the United States about a proposed disarmament agreement with Hamas. This move casts doubt on the deal, which President Donald Trump has been promoting. Doron Spielman, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, stated that the shared version of the framework does not represent Israel’s stance. His remarks, reported by NBC News, mark the first public acknowledgment from Netanyahu’s office.

The statement comes after a violent weekend in the Gaza Strip, where at least 19 people were killed due to Israeli military actions according to the local Health Ministry. The Israeli army claimed the operations were aimed at Hamas militants and their infrastructure. Mourners gathered in Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City for those killed in an Israeli airstrike.

This situation reflects ongoing tension between Trump and Netanyahu. Netanyahu is in a challenging re-election campaign approaching October. The two leaders met recently, just days before the announcement of the disarmament deal.

Spielman emphasized that a critical initial step for any enduring arrangement is the genuine, verifiable, and irreversible demilitarization of Hamas. According to Spielman, this would require Hamas to physically surrender its weapons.

Hamas, on the other hand, has shown a willingness to disarm on the condition that Israel withdraws from Gaza and stops all forms of aggression. Spielman noted that Israeli intelligence reports indicate Hamas has used an eight-month ceasefire to strengthen its military capabilities, recruit more fighters, and prepare for future attacks similar to those on October 7, 2023.

The White House did not immediately address Israel’s concerns when questioned by NBC News. President Trump claimed to have an understanding with Israel, suggesting that Israel was pleased with the disarmament agreement. However, local experts argued that the deal was unlikely to bring immediate changes in Gaza due to existing challenges. Neither Hamas nor Israel has officially committed to the agreement.

Despite a ceasefire, Israel’s military activities in Gaza continue. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that 19 people died and 35 were injured in Gaza within the last day. Prior numbers indicated a weekend toll of at least 26 fatalities. Dr. Muneer al-Bursh, a senior official from Gaza’s Health Ministry, described ongoing hospital strain from continuous attacks and a dire lack of medical supplies.