Israel Says Gaza War Won’t End Until Hamas Is Disarmed

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the war in Gaza will not cease until Hamas is fully disarmed and Gaza is restored to a state free of military operations.

In an interview with Israel’s Channel 14 on Saturday, Netanyahu said that disarming Hamas is crucial for implementing the second phase of the truce agreements facilitated with the United States, adding:

“Once Hamas is completely disarmed, I hope it can be done peacefully; if not, force will be used, and the war will end.”

So far, Hamas has not laid down its weapons, and according to France24, during this truce period, Hamas fighters have regained control over areas they previously held.

Netanyahu made these statements while the U.S. State Department said it has “reliable intelligence” indicating that Hamas is preparing an attack on Gaza residents, warning that such actions would violate the truce.

Despite an initial truce being agreed upon, conflicts continue, particularly regarding the closure of the Rafah border crossing, which Netanyahu has ordered to remain closed until Hamas fulfills its responsibilities, including the return of bodies.

Hamas has warned that keeping Rafah closed may delay the search for bodies under the rubble.