In an interview given this Tuesday (14) to the American broadcaster CBS News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that the terrorist group Hamas must fully disarm in accordance with the conditions of the peace plan for Gaza drawn up by United States President Donald Trump. Otherwise, he warned, “all hell will break loose” against the enclave’s Islamic extremists.
Netanyahu stated that Israel agreed “to give peace a chance”, but recalled that the next phase of the US-brokered agreement requires the surrender of weapons and the complete demilitarization of the Gaza Strip. The premier explained that this includes “ensuring that there are no weapons factories inside Gaza and that there is no smuggling of weapons into the territory.”
The agreement guaranteed the release of the last 20 living Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 convicted of terrorism and sentenced to life in prison, according to the Israeli newspaper. Times of Israel. In addition, Hamas must also return the bodies of 28 hostages killed during captivity in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s statement came on the same day that Trump, during a meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei at the White House, warned that if Hamas does not hand over its weapons, “we will disarm them – and it will happen quickly and perhaps violently.”
In the interview with CBSNetanyahu acknowledged the American president’s words and stated: “I heard what he said, that all hell will break loose. I hope that doesn’t happen. I hope we can do this peacefully. We are certainly ready for that.”
Despite being weakened, Hamas has resisted the demands and, according to Times of Israelregained control over parts of Gaza, executing opponents and rival groups. This attitude, according to Israeli analysts, threatens the ceasefire and the full implementation of the peace plan.
Questioned by CBS Regarding what it would take to declare a definitive end to the war, Netanyahu responded that the defense of Israel and the free world requires permanent vigilance: “Freedom is neither permanent nor automatic. If we cannot defend free societies, they will be dominated by authoritarian or totalitarian regimes.”
The 20-point plan proposed by Trump envisages the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of the Gaza Strip and the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian civilian population. More complex issues – such as the future government of Gaza, the creation of a Palestinian state and the final disarmament of Hamas – remain pending, but are considered essential for lasting peace.
During a telephone interview with CNN This Wednesday (15), President Trump stated that he is considering allowing the resumption of the Israeli offensive if Hamas continues to breach the agreement.
“What is happening with Hamas will be resolved quickly,” said the president. “Israel will be back on the streets as soon as I say the word. If Israel could come in and finish them off, it would.”
The president stated that he has held back the Israeli military so far to make room for the ceasefire.
“I had to hold them back. Bibi and I had a firm conversation about this,” he said, referring to Netanyahu.
Trump said that Hamas has been violating point 4 of the peace agreement he brokered, which stated that “within 72 hours of Israel’s public acceptance of the treaty, all hostages – living and dead – would be returned.” Although the 20 living hostages have been released, Hamas has not yet delivered all the promised bodies. “Bringing these 20 hostages back was the most important thing,” said the president.
The Republican also reiterated that the plan requires the total disarmament of Hamas, including the renunciation of political control of Gaza. Point 6 of the agreement provides amnesty for members who accept peaceful coexistence and surrender their weapons. “Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will have safe passage to receiving countries,” says the text.
Asked about reports of executions in Gaza after the truce, Trump responded: “I’m looking into that. It could be that they’re taking out violent gangs – it could be that and something else. We’ll find out.”
