Netanyahu refuses Gaza withdrawal unless Hamas is removed: Report

An Israeli source told Haaretz that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has no intention of withdrawing Israeli forces from the Egyptian-Gaza border or the so-called buffer zone along Israel’s border unless Hamas leadership is expelled from the enclave.

If Hamas remains, Netanyahu sees only two options: resuming military operations or prolonging the first stage of the ceasefire.

The source said that the Trump administration supports Israel's right to resume combat in Gaza if Hamas violates the ceasefire or if negotiations on the next phase of the deal collapse. The Biden administration has reportedly provided Israel with a document guaranteeing its ability to restart military action under these conditions