Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israeli forces will not withdraw troops from Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed, reports UNN citing The Guardian.
In his comments on social media, Netanyahu suggested that there are disagreements between Israel and the Trump administration regarding the recently announced agreement on the disarmament of this militant group.
The agreement provided for the start of Hamas's disarmament and Israel's cessation of strikes and the beginning of troop withdrawal from Gaza. This was part of the October ceasefire agreement.
Netanyahu stated that disarmament must come first, and that Israeli forces will continue to "do everything necessary to protect ourselves, our territory, and our citizens."
He added that "the Trump administration sent us a draft. We disagree. It is not our draft. We sent our comments."
"This is our position. We firmly stand by our interests, and I believe this is wise and decisive," Netanyahu concluded.