Israel demands full demilitarization in next phase of Gaza truce

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, announced on Tuesday that the country requires the complete demilitarization of Gaza and the removal of Hamas before advancing to the second phase of the January ceasefire agreement. He emphasized that without these conditions, no progress can be made in the ceasefire process.

Saar also expressed concerns that humanitarian aid has become a significant revenue source for Hamas, suggesting that the group utilizes these funds to bolster their militant activities.

In response, Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri firmly stated that disarmament is a non-negotiable issue for both Hamas and other Palestinian factions, indicating that any discussions involving the resistance’s weapons are unacceptable.