Key Takeaways
- US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace reassured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the conditions for Gaza withdrawal.
- Netanyahu raised concerns after the board released a text calling for phased withdrawal and immediate cessation of strikes in Gaza.
- Hamas stated it was adhering to the ceasefire agreement, awaiting clarification from Mladenov on the terms.
US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel's withdrawal from Gaza would only commence after Hamas fully disarms. This assurance came in response to objections raised by two members of Netanyahu’s security cabinet, who had urged a vote to tear up the deal championed by Trump.
Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza under the Board of Peace, met with Netanyahu on Monday to address these concerns. Despite the challenging nature of the discussions, the board stated that it had reached a ‘common understanding of shared objectives’ with Israel.
The board emphasized that Israel’s withdrawal beyond the Yellow Line, which demarcates Hamas-controlled areas, would only occur once decommissioning of weapons is complete, as Hamas committed to mediators. This condition was clearly outlined in a statement posted on X.
Israel's withdrawal under this plan would still maintain US control over much of Gaza under a Trump-led October ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu’s office expressed concerns after Trump hailed the disarmament announcement by Hamas as a ‘major milestone’.
Doron Spielman, spokesman for the prime minister’s office, conveyed Israel’s comments and concerns to American counterparts, stating that the version made public did not reflect Israel's positions. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanded an immediate new vote on the Gaza plan.
Hamas responded by reaffirming its adherence to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, including commitments from all parties. The group awaited a clear and official response from Mladenov and the mediators regarding the terms agreed upon.
The latest developments highlight the growing disconnect between Trump and Netanyahu, who faces a tough re-election fight in October. This gap has been evident in their differing approaches to Iran, with Israel skeptical of Trump’s diplomatic efforts.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog offered a more positive outlook on Trump's Gaza efforts, noting that Hamas must be disarmed for the progress to hold.
