Hamas: Israel Must Act First on Gaza Peace Deal

A senior Hamas official told Reuters that the implementation of a new Gaza peace deal, announced by former US President Donald Trump, hinges on Israel first meeting its obligations under a prior agreement. Trump had announced a "major milestone" on his Truth Social platform, claiming his "Board of Peace" had secured an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups.

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Implementation of the deal to bring peace to Gaza announced by US President Donald Trump will depend on Israel first meeting its commitments under an agreement reached last year.

This announcement follows months of stalled efforts to maintain a ceasefire agreement reached last year in Sharm el-Sheikh. The current situation is marked by mutual suspicion, with both Hamas and Israel insisting the other side must make the first move. Hamas issued a statement on Friday asserting that Israel must commit to "stopping the killing and ending its attacks" as the initial step.

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there will be no withdrawal whatsoever of the IDF from the current Yellow Line unless Hamas undergoes a genuine disarmament

Conversely, an Israeli official reiterated the country's stance: "there will be no withdrawal whatsoever of the IDF from the current Yellow Line unless Hamas undergoes a genuine disarmament." Meanwhile, Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed his opposition to the draft agreement, advocating for the continuation of Israel's policy of assassinating Hamas leaders. The situation on the ground in Gaza remains dire, with residents struggling for basic necessities after the devastating Israeli military campaign. Many remain skeptical, with one resident, Samir Ayad, urging Trump to "start it from your end. Ceasefire, stop the assassinations and complete the Israeli army's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip."

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You Trump, you should start it from your end. Ceasefire, stop the assassinations and complete the Israeli army's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.