Tel Aviv: A peace initiative backed by US President Donald Trump has revised its position on Gaza, stating that Israeli forces should not withdraw from areas under Hamas control until the militant group has been fully disarmed.
The revised stance marks a shift from the board’s earlier proposal, which had called for a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Israel had strongly objected to that proposal, prompting further discussions between US and Israeli officials.
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, concerns over the original proposal were conveyed to Washington. Trump later described an agreement aimed at transferring Hamas’ weapons to a new Palestinian Authority as a significant step forward.
Revised Understanding After High-Level Talks
The change followed talks between Nickolay Mladenov, the board’s senior representative for Gaza, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Following the meeting, the board said a broader understanding had been reached with Israel.
In a statement on X, the board said Israeli forces would withdraw beyond the “Yellow Line” only after Hamas fulfils its commitment to mediators by surrendering its weapons. It also indicated that, under the proposed plan, the United States would continue overseeing large parts of Gaza during the implementation of the October ceasefire framework.
Despite the revised proposal, divisions remain within Israel’s government.
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the latest policy differed from what had previously been presented to Netanyahu’s security cabinet and called for the cabinet to hold a fresh vote on the Gaza plan.
Earlier, Israel had criticised the board’s proposal for a phased withdrawal and an end to Israeli military operations in Gaza. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office said Israel had formally communicated its concerns to the United States.
Reports indicate that while Israeli strikes resumed shortly after Trump’s announcement, no new attacks have since been reported in Gaza.
Trump Issues Fresh Warning to Iran
Meanwhile, President Trump issued another warning to Iran, saying Tehran faces two options: reach an agreement with the United States or face what he described as “complete surrender”.
“Iran has two choices – a deal or complete surrender,” Trump said.
He also reiterated that Iran would never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and claimed that the United States, rather than Iran, effectively controls security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump criticised Iran’s position on negotiations, accusing Tehran of sending mixed signals by publicly rejecting direct talks while continuing discussions through Oman’s mediation.
He said Iran was engaging through intermediaries despite publicly claiming it was unwilling to negotiate with the United States, adding that further details of a potential agreement would be announced soon.
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