Israel refused to withdraw troops from the Gaza Strip

"The Trump administration sent us a draft. We did not agree. This is not our draft. We sent our comments. This is our position," he said.

The proposed agreement stipulated that Hamas would begin disarming, and Israel would cease attacks and begin withdrawing from the approximately 60% of Gaza territory it currently controls, according to The Associated Press.

"Israeli troops will continue to do everything necessary to defend themselves, our territory, and our citizens," Netanyahu emphasized.

Israel states that further action depends on Hamas laying down its arms. At the same time, Hamas insists that Israel must cease attacks and begin withdrawing troops, leading both sides to accuse the other of violating the ceasefire.

According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, at least 1,252 people have been killed in the territory since the ceasefire agreement took effect. The ministry does not provide a breakdown of civilians and militants, but notes that the majority of the dead are women and children. UN agencies and independent experts consider this data generally reliable.

Israel notes that its strikes are directed exclusively against militants who pose a threat to the military, participated in the attack on Israel on October 7, 2024, or commit other violations.

Currently, the Gaza Strip remains almost completely destroyed. Most of the 2 million Palestinians are internally displaced and live in overcrowded tent camps with appalling conditions, plagued by rodent infestations and outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Photo: Jaber Jehad Badwan.