Jerusalem | August 5, 2026
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that Israeli forces will not withdraw from their current positions in Gaza until Hamas completely disarms, rejecting a proposed ceasefire roadmap linked to U.S.-led mediation efforts.
In a video message posted on social media, Netanyahu said Israel’s military would continue operations to ensure the country’s security.
“We have instructed Israeli soldiers to do whatever is necessary to protect our citizens,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu Rejects U.S.-Backed Draft
Netanyahu revealed that the White House had shared a draft proposal concerning the next phase of the Gaza peace process.
However, he clarified that Israel did not accept the document in its existing form.
“The White House sent us a draft, but we did not agree to it. It is not our draft. We have submitted our own proposals,” Netanyahu said.
His remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his Peace Board had prepared a framework aimed at securing the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups operating in Gaza.
Hamas Accepts Revised Roadmap With Conditions
A day after Trump’s announcement, Hamas said it had agreed in principle to a revised version of the roadmap for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
However, the group attached several conditions.
According to Hamas, any discussion about surrendering weapons can only take place if:
- Israeli military operations come to a complete halt.
- Israeli forces fully withdraw from Gaza.
- Reconstruction efforts in the territory make tangible progress.
Regional Mediators Condemn Recent Violence
The latest diplomatic developments come amid continued violence in Gaza.
Over the past week, Israeli airstrikes reportedly resulted in multiple casualties, including children and civilians.
Following the attacks, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye, which have been acting as key mediators in ceasefire negotiations, issued a joint statement on Monday condemning the escalation and calling for greater efforts to end the conflict.
New International Roadmap Under Discussion
According to senior officials familiar with the negotiations, a new international proposal envisions Hamas relinquishing both its civilian administration and military control over Gaza.
Under the proposed framework:
- Hamas would step down from governing Gaza.
- An interim Palestinian administration would assume responsibility for the territory.
- A newly established National Committee would oversee governance during the transition.
National Committee to Manage Gaza
The proposal extends beyond a temporary ceasefire and outlines a broader governance transition for Gaza.
Under the plan, the National Committee would:
- Manage civilian administration.
- Oversee internal security.
- Maintain public services.
- Restore law and order.
- Supervise public institutions.
- Conduct a comprehensive financial and administrative audit before reconstruction begins.
The committee would function as an independent Palestinian governing body responsible for leading Gaza through the post-conflict transition period.
Ceasefire Talks Continue
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, significant differences remain between Israel and Hamas over the conditions required for a lasting ceasefire.
Israel continues to insist that Hamas must fully disarm before any military withdrawal, while Hamas maintains that disarmament can only be discussed after a complete ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and meaningful reconstruction efforts.
Negotiators from the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye are expected to continue mediation efforts aimed at narrowing these differences and advancing a comprehensive peace agreement.
