The US-backed 'Board of Peace' has told Israel that its withdrawal from Gaza will only begin after Hamas completely disarms, even as Israeli strikes killed at least 17 people, including children, in Gaza in the days after the deal was announced.
The board's position was delivered to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, according to his office. Two members of Netanyahu's security cabinet had urged a vote to abandon the deal after the board released a text calling for a phased Israeli withdrawal. Netanyahu's office said it had raised concerns with the United States.
Trump announced the proposed disarmament deal last week, billing it as a breakthrough. However, Israeli strikes intensified in the following days, and Israel has expressed doubt that Hamas will lay down its weapons. Board director Maldenov met with Netanyahu amid the tensions.