Despite Ceasefire, Netanyahu Vows Return to "Hard Way" if Hamas Isn't Disarmed

"Just before the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire agreement went into effect on Friday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a return to Israel's slaughter if Hamas isn't disarmed, a provision not part of the current deal for a partial withdrawal and captive exchange. In a televised address delivered just before the ceasefire went into effect, Netanyahu said that the next stages of the plan involve the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza,"

""We are gripping Hamas from all sides in preparation for the next stages of the plan, in which Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza will be demilitarized," Netanyahu said, per a translation by The Associated Press. "If this is achieved the easy way - so be it. If not - it will be achieved the hard way," he said. Disarmament of the Palestinian group is included in President Donald Trump's broader plan, introduced last week,"

Just before the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire went into effect, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel will resume forceful action if Hamas is not disarmed. He stated that next stages include disarmament of Hamas and demilitarization of Gaza and said security forces are "gripping Hamas from all sides" in preparation. He added that disarmament could occur peacefully or by force. Disarmament is part of President Donald Trump's broader plan, but Hamas has not agreed to that provision. The current ceasefire deal covers a short period for captive exchanges, and negotiations over future steps remain ongoing.

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