Israel's ultimatum to Hamas: Disarmament in 60 days or the army returns
Israel has issued a 60-day ultimatum for Hamas to disarm, or face military action in Gaza, according to government officials.
Hamas has been given a 60-day deadline to disarm, failing which Israel will revert to military action in Gaza, as stated by Yossi Fox, the secretary of the Israeli government. This ultimatum, requested by the Trump administration, was emphasized during a conference in Jerusalem, with Fox stating that the expectation is for Hamas to relinquish all weapons including rifles like the AK-47. He noted that the disarmament process could be linked to the upcoming Peace Council conference scheduled for Thursday.
Fox underscored the serious nature of this ultimatum, indicating that the plan is to have a peaceful resolution; however, if Hamas does not comply, the Israeli military will be prepared to take necessary action. The security environment remains complex, especially in light of the upcoming Israeli elections, which may influence the implementation of this ultimatum. The government views this deadline as a reasonable assessment of the situation, but also remains ready for military engagement if diplomacy fails.
The implications of this ultimatum are significant as it places pressure on Hamas while also signaling Israel's readiness for military action, which could escalate tensions in the region. The international community will likely be watching closely to see how Hamas responds during this period and what actions the Israeli military might take should they choose not to comply. This situation underscores the ongoing volatility in Gaza and the delicate nature of efforts towards peace in the region, especially in the context of Israeli political dynamics and security considerations.