Israeli Ambassador to the UN emphasizes that Hamas must completely disarm, warning against superficial measures, as disputes continue over the sequence of Gaza peace steps.
Israel’s envoy to the United Nations, Danny Danon, asserted on Friday that Hamas must undergo true demilitarization, emphasizing that superficial measures will remain unacceptable to Israel. Speaking in an interview on CNN, Danon noted that the ordering of future steps - including troop pullbacks to Gaza's designated "yellow line," disarmament protocols, and the entry of relief supplies - remains open to negotiation.
“Those issues we can discuss and we can resolve … you can build the sequence with the mediators," Danon told CNN. “The main point is whether Hamas is actually willing to disarm or not. Because if they are playing games and offer cosmetic solutions, it will not work." Clarifying Israel's expectations, Danon added, “Disarmament means the weapons (are) out of Gaza, they have no control of the weapons, and then we can move forward." The Ambassador's remarks follow an announcement by US President Donald Trump on Thursday highlighting a landmark accord intended to accomplish the demilitarization of Hamas along with every other terrorist group in Gaza.
In response, high-ranking Hamas representative Ghazi Hamad conveyed to CNN that Israel must prioritize immediate actions. He maintained that Israel needs to implement an immediate ceasefire, halt targeted strikes within Gaza, pull back military forces to the "yellow line," and permit a significant increase in humanitarian assistance as outlined in the October ceasefire terms.
“Absolutely not. President Trump and the administration, they saw what happened on the ground," said the Ambassador, who added, “We complied with the agreement so far. We did everything that we had to do. It was Hamas who was playing a game about disarmament." Trump insisted on Friday that Israel is “very happy" about the Hamas disarmament deal. Asked during a cabinet meeting whether the US has received any assurances from Israel that it will abide by the deal, Trump replied, “We do have an understanding with Israel." (Ed note: Have you noticed that both Hamas and Hezbollah are working out of the same play book? "If Israel will not hit back after we hit them, if they will withdraw from our land completely, then we may talk. Does anyone really believe that Hamas is ever going to disarm?) (Read More)