Israel's Condition for Gaza Withdrawal: Hamas Disarmament

Gaza – A complete disarmament of Hamas is the stated condition for an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, according to Israeli defence Minister Israel Katz. This stipulation comes as the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire, based on a peace plan initially proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, has begun. During this second phase, Hamas is expected to disarm while Israel gradually withdraws its forces from the Gaza Strip.

The Core Condition for Withdrawal

Minister Katz emphasized that allowing Hamas to remain, either with weaponry or through its network of tunnels, is unacceptable. He stated, “Our slogan is simple: until the last tunnel,” signaling a firm stance against any continued Hamas military presence. Israel will not concede “one millimeter” from the “Yellow Line” – the demarcation point for the initial Israeli troop withdrawal during the first phase of the ceasefire – until Hamas is fully disarmed.

Did You Know? The proposed ceasefire includes provisions for the reconstruction of Gaza, increased humanitarian aid, and the establishment of an administrative committee to govern the region.

A 60-Day Deadline

Israeli Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs announced on February 16th that Hamas has a 60-day window to disarm. Should Hamas fail to comply, Fuchs warned, the conflict will resume. The current ceasefire, which began on October 10, 2025, has largely ended major combat operations in the Gaza Strip, though Israel has continued to conduct airstrikes and demolitions within the Palestinian territory, reportedly violating the ceasefire agreement.

Expanding Domestic Arms Production

Beyond the immediate ceasefire terms, Minister Katz also advocated for Israel to increase its domestic arms production. This call, reported by Yedioth Ahronoth, stems from global competition for ammunition and recent disagreements with allies during the ongoing conflict. While acknowledging the United States as a “great ally,” Katz noted that certain disputes have had “an impact.”

Expert Insight: The insistence on complete disarmament of Hamas represents a significant hurdle to a lasting peace. Achieving this goal would require overcoming deeply entrenched resistance and addressing the complex political and security dynamics within Gaza.

Katz announced the launch of a long-term initiative, tentatively named “Israel Shield,” which will add 350 billion Shekels to the defence budget over the next decade. He framed this plan as a demonstration of “strong faith in economic power,” asserting that “there is no security without economy, and there is no economy without security.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary condition for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza?

The primary condition, as stated by Israeli defence Minister Israel Katz, is the complete disarmament of Hamas.

What is the “Yellow Line” referenced by Minister Katz?

The “Yellow Line” refers to the location to which Israeli forces withdrew in the eastern part of the Gaza Strip during the first phase of the ceasefire.

What is the timeframe given to Hamas for disarmament?

Hamas has been given 60 days to disarm, according to Israeli Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs.

How might the outcome of this disarmament process shape the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Israel’s Condition for Gaza Withdrawal: Hamas Disarmament