Israel demands Hamas disarmament for permanent Gaza truce

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu approved sending a negotiation delegation to Doha at the request of the US for a ceasefire in Gaza. However, he emphasized that a permanent ceasefire is not possible without the disarmament of Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved sending a negotiation delegation to Doha to revive hostage negotiations after meeting with US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and speaking by phone with President Donald Trump.

This decision came after Hamas released the American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander 584 days later. Washington interpreted this move as a goodwill gesture toward Trump.

US President Trump described Alexander’s release as “a step of goodwill toward ending this brutal war.” The US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, stated it could be “the beginning of the end of the war.”

According to a report in the Times of Israel, Netanyahu told his coalition partners that they are only open to considering a short-term ceasefire in exchange for a limited hostage swap. It was noted that these discussions would be conducted within the framework publicly known as the “Witkoff Plan.”

The Israeli Prime Minister reiterated that the war will not end as long as Hamas is not disarmed and does not relinquish control over Gaza. Netanyahu emphasized that these conditions are indispensable for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

The Hamas side, on the other hand, states that it may be open to a long-term ceasefire and handing over control but refuses disarmament. Furthermore, it demands international guarantees, such as a UN Security Council resolution, to prevent Israel from restarting the war.

Humanitarian aid crisis worsens

Israel’s prevention of humanitarian aid entry into Gaza since March 2 is increasing the risk of famine in the region. Even the Israeli army admits that Gaza is on the verge of starvation.

Under the planned new aid system, the goal is to gather 2 million people around Rafah in southern Gaza and distribute aid there. However, the United Arab Emirates, the United Nations, and many international organizations do not support this plan, citing its inability to resolve the humanitarian crises.

Post-war Gaza plan remains unclear

Netanyahu stated that the war will not end until military objectives in Gaza are achieved and that the area will be “occupied” if necessary. In a meeting with soldiers wounded in the war, he signaled a large ground operation with the words, “Things never seen before will happen in Gaza in the coming days.”

However, Netanyahu’s failure to present a clear plan for who will govern Gaza after the war is being criticized both in the Israeli public and the Knesset. The US and Arab countries suggest the involvement of a renewed Palestinian Authority after Hamas. Since Netanyahu is not receptive to this suggestion, many Arab countries are not participating in the reconstruction process.

New round of negotiations begins

Amidst all these developments, the Israeli delegation will go to Doha today to begin indirect negotiations with Hamas, mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt. Netanyahu clearly stated that the delegation is not authorized to discuss anything other than a temporary ceasefire and a limited hostage swap.

Meanwhile, US President Trump also began his Middle East tour today. The visit, which includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, is expected to be primarily focused on the economy. However, a ceasefire and prisoner exchange in Gaza are also expected to be on the agenda for the discussions.

Israel announced that if an agreement is not reached with Hamas by Friday, when Trump’s Middle East tour is scheduled to end, it will launch a major ground operation.