Israel has expressed serious concerns regarding a U.S.-led agreement for the disarmament of Hamas, stating it will not withdraw troops from the Gaza Strip until the group relinquishes its weapons.
On August 2, Doron Spielman, a spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, conveyed this position to the White House, according to the Associated Press.
Spielman stated, "Israeli intelligence believes Hamas is focusing on rebuilding its forces and military infrastructure instead of disarmament," adding, "We will not withdraw troops from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed." He emphasized that disarmament means actually giving up weapons.
This statement marks Israel's first official response following President Donald Trump's announcement on July 30 that the Gaza Peace Commission had reached an agreement for the complete disarmament of armed groups, including Hamas.
Israel and Hamas are at odds over which should come first: disarmament or troop withdrawal. Hamas argues that Israel must cease its attacks and withdraw its forces before it can hand over its weapons. Conversely, Israel fears that if it withdraws first, Hamas will regain strength and rebuild its military facilities.
The agreement obtained by the AP stipulates that Hamas will transfer its weapons to be stored under the management of the Gaza Administrative Committee (NCAG), composed of Palestinian technocrats.
The disposal and storage of heavy weapons, as well as the dismantling of tunnels and weapons production facilities, will occur after the NCAG begins its operations and an international stabilization force is deployed. In line with this process, the Israeli military is also expected to withdraw gradually.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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