US President Donald Trump announced late Thursday that Hamas had agreed to disarm, calling it a key step in the US-brokered peace plan for Gaza. But Israel has not embraced the deal, with officials insisting that disarmament must happen before any withdrawal of troops.
At least eight people were killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza City, Khan Younis and Deir el-Balah following the announcement. Israel said it was targeting military operatives.
Israeli spokesperson Doron Spielman said troops will not leave Gaza until Hamas gives up its weapons, describing that as a non-negotiable condition. Israeli sources echoed that position, saying there will be no withdrawal without genuine disarmament. Hamas, for its part, insists Israel must withdraw first before it will lay down its weapons.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to publicly endorse the agreement, even as Trump said Israel was very happy with it. Trump has been pressing Israel to accept the deal.