According to a statement released on July 31, 2026, by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, any future disarmament agreement announced by United States President Donald Trump is strictly conditioned on a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. The stance sets up a direct diplomatic clash as Israeli officials maintain that military forces will not pull back without the complete removal of militant weaponry.
Hamas Conditions Heavy Weaponry Handover on Israeli Withdrawal
Hamas stated via an official announcement that the primary step toward executing any peace pact requires Israel to halt its military attacks and end what the group describes as agreement violations. According to the group’s statement, the handover of heavy weaponry and total disarmament depends directly on Israel ending all hostile actions and retreating from the enclave.
The group’s position responds directly to an announcement made a day earlier by President Trump on Truth Social. Trump declared that the Gaza Peace Committee had reached a historic agreement with Hamas and all militant factions in the territory to achieve total disarmament, framing the pact as a monumental step toward enduring security.
Under the terms outlined by the U.S. president, once disarmament wraps up, Israeli forces will withdraw. At that point, an international stabilization force would deploy alongside a newly formed Palestinian police force to secure the region for residents and neighboring countries.
Israeli Officials Reject Partial Pullbacks and Demand Full Disarmament
While the Israeli government has not issued an official administrative statement regarding the latest announcements, local reporting from the Times of Israel highlights a firm counter-stance among Israeli officials. Security leadership insists that troops will remain in place until militant groups are completely disarmed.
An unnamed high-ranking Israeli official emphasized that the military will not pull back from the current “Yellow Line” positions unless a genuine and verifiable disarmament of Hamas takes place.
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Far-Right Ministers Call for Continued Assassinations and No-Deal Stance
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, publicly rejected the proposed agreement on Telegram, arguing that the terms fundamentally compromise national security.
Ben-Gvir stated that all Hamas members bear full responsibility for the bloodshed stemming from the October 7 massacre. He argued that agreeing to halt targeted assassinations of militant leaders essentially grants the group breathing room to organize future attacks.
The National Security Minister insisted that targeted killings inside Gaza must continue, external migration for Palestinian residents should be encouraged, and Israel must secure total victory rather than accept compromise frameworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary condition set by Hamas for disarmament?
According to Hamas’s July 31 statement, the group will only consider handing over heavy weaponry if Israel commits to ending hostile actions and fully withdraws its military forces from the Gaza Strip.
What did the U.S. president announce regarding Gaza?
President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that the Gaza Peace Committee reached an agreement aimed at the total disarmament of Hamas and other militant groups, which would be followed by an Israeli troop withdrawal and the deployment of international stabilization forces.
How has the Israeli government officially responded?
The Israeli government has not issued an official statement, but high-ranking officials told the Times of Israel that troops will not pull back from the Yellow Line without verifiable and complete disarmament by Hamas.
What was the reaction of Israel’s National Security Minister?
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir rejected the agreement entirely on Telegram, asserting that Israel must continue targeted assassinations and pursue total victory.
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