Israel Expresses Concerns Over Proposed Hamas Disarmament Deal with U.S.

Israel has relayed its concerns to the United States regarding a proposed disarmament deal with Hamas, casting doubts on the agreement supported by President Donald Trump. According to Doron Spielman, spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, Israel’s position on the deal has not been accurately represented in the public version.

This statement marks the first public response from Netanyahu’s office following a deadly weekend in Gaza. The local Health Ministry reported that Israeli attacks on Sunday resulted in at least 19 casualties. The Israeli military confirmed that their strikes primarily targeted Hamas militants and their infrastructure.

The situation highlights growing tension between Trump and Netanyahu, who is facing a challenging re-election campaign. Their recent meeting preceded the announcement of the disarmament deal, which Netanyahu’s office believes needs further steps.

The “indispensable first step” towards any lasting arrangement is the “genuine, verifiable, and irreversible demilitarization of Hamas,” stated Spielman. This requires the group to physically relinquish its weapons.

Hamas has signaled willingness to disarm only if Israel withdraws from Gaza and halts “all forms of aggression.” Israeli intelligence reports that Hamas has utilized the ceasefire to bolster its arsenal, recruit more militants, and rebuild its military capabilities, potentially mimicking the attacks of October 2023.

The White House has not yet commented on Israel’s concerns. Trump previously stated he had reached an “understanding” with Israel, suggesting confidence in the approval of the disarmament deal. Despite hopes for progress in peace efforts initiated last year, experts remain skeptical about immediate impacts in Gaza due to multiple unresolved issues.

Israeli strikes continue despite a ceasefire. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported increased casualties, noting 19 deaths and 35 injuries over the past 24 hours. Continuous attacks are overwhelming hospitals in Gaza amid a significant shortage of medical supplies, according to Dr. Muneer al-Bursh, director of the Health Ministry in Gaza.