Cyprus Times

Netanyahu: Complete Disarmament of Hamas is Essential for Gaza Plan

Published December 31, 2025, 07:11
Netanyahu: Complete Disarmament of Hamas is Essential for Gaza Plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the complete disarmament of Hamas is a prerequisite for the progress of the American peace plan for Gaza. He argued that Hamas possesses significant military strength, including tens of thousands of weapons and an extensive tunnel network, and refuses to surrender them. While acknowledging that the second phase of the plan may only proceed if Hamas is given a chance to disarm, he emphasized that Israel will pursue disarmament by any means necessary, even without the organization's cooperation. This statement contrasts with claims by American officials that Hamas had agreed to disarmament before the first phase of the agreement, which the Palestinian organization denies.