Israel has accepted the proposed terms for peace in Gaza, but with a significant condition: the complete military surrender of Hamas. A senior official stated that the government endorses the U.S.-brokered deal, which would end the war and see all hostages freed, but only if Hamas agrees to lay down its arms for good.
This stance frames the ceasefire not just as a cessation of hostilities but as a resolution of the conflict’s core security issue. For Israel, a lasting peace is predicated on the removal of Hamas’s ability to launch attacks. The demand for surrender is therefore central to its acceptance of the deal.
The proposal offers a vision for a demilitarized Gaza, free from conflict and open to reconstruction. It presents a future where humanitarian aid can flow freely and people can rebuild their lives. However, this entire vision is dependent on Hamas making the strategic decision to disarm.
By accepting these terms, Israel has defined its conditions for peace. The international community is now tasked with persuading Hamas that this path, though difficult, is the only one that leads to a better future for the people of Gaza. The pressure on the group has never been higher.