Donald Trump’s "Junta de Paz" told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the Israeli army will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed [1, 2].
This directive establishes a strict precondition for the end of military occupation in the Palestinian territory. By tying the withdrawal to total disarmament, the Peace Board aligns its strategy with the security demands of the Israeli government, potentially delaying the departure of foreign troops for an indefinite period.
The communication occurred during the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza plan [1, 2]. The board said that a full disarmament of Hamas is a requirement before Israeli forces can safely leave the region [1, 2].
This position addresses previous objections from the Israeli administration regarding the timing and safety of a military exit. The Peace Board said that the security of the transition depends on the removal of Hamas's military capabilities [1, 2].
Israeli officials have previously expressed concerns that a premature withdrawal would allow militant groups to regroup. The assurance from the Peace Board seeks to mitigate those risks by ensuring the operational environment is neutralized before the Israeli army departs [1, 2].
The move signals a shift in the diplomatic approach to the conflict, prioritizing military outcomes over immediate territorial concessions. The Peace Board continues to oversee the phased plan for the Gaza Strip, focusing on the security requirements outlined in the current phase [1, 2].
“The Israeli army’s withdrawal from Gaza will only begin after Hamas is completely disarmed.”
The decision by the Peace Board to mandate total disarmament before withdrawal effectively gives the Israeli military a permissive environment to maintain its presence in Gaza. This approach prioritizes the 'security first' doctrine, which may complicate efforts to establish a Palestinian governing body if the disarmament process is stalled or contested.
