Netanyahu Warns Hamas: Disarmament Essential for Peace
As Israeli forces begin to withdraw from Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a strong warning regarding Hamas. He stated that if Hamas is not disarmed, the ongoing conflict may resume. This warning comes as a recent ceasefire allows tens of thousands of Gazans to return to their homes after years of war.
The ceasefire, brokered by US President Donald Trump, has brought a sense of relief to many, but uncertainty remains about the future of Hamas. Netanyahu emphasized that the disarmament of Hamas must be achieved under any circumstances. He remarked, “Hamas will be disarmed, and Gaza will be demilitarized. If this is achieved the easy way, great. And if not, it will be achieved the hard way.”
From noon on Friday, the ceasefire officially took effect, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirming that troops had started their withdrawal. The IDF stated, “Since 12:00, IDF troops began positioning themselves along updated deployment lines in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages.”
Despite the ceasefire, Israel still controls 53% of Palestinian territory. The Pentagon later confirmed that Israel had completed the first phase of demilitarization. Trump expressed confidence that the ceasefire would hold, noting that both Israel and Hamas were weary of fighting.
As the ceasefire took effect, many displaced Palestinians began returning to their neighborhoods. Rescue workers have been recovering bodies from the debris left behind by the conflict. Italy announced that the EU mission at the Rafah border would reopen a pedestrian crossing, facilitating movement between Gaza and Egypt.
However, Israel has warned that some areas remain off-limits, urging Palestinians to avoid its forces while they adjust operational positions in Gaza. Gaza civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal reported that around 200,000 Palestinians had returned to the north since the ceasefire.
According to the peace deal, Hamas is to hand over 47 remaining hostages, both living and deceased, from the 251 taken during the October 7 attack two years ago. Additionally, Israel plans to release 250 Palestinian prisoners along with 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7, 2023.
Netanyahu described the return of the hostages as a day of celebration. He remarked, “Citizens of Israel, two years ago, the Simhat Torah holiday became a day of national mourning.” He expressed hope that this year's Simhat Torah would bring joy, celebrating the return of all those held hostage.
