Sun Mar 30 11:27:31 UTC 2025: ## Netanyahu Insists on Hamas Disarmament Amidst Gaza Ceasefire Efforts
**Jerusalem, March 30, 2025** – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Sunday that Israel’s military operation in Gaza is yielding results, asserting that Hamas must disarm for any ceasefire to be considered. While acknowledging ongoing mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to secure a truce and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, Netanyahu remained firm in his demand for Hamas to lay down its arms.
Netanyahu confirmed receiving a new ceasefire proposal from Hamas, stating that Israel has responded with a counter-proposal. Although details remain undisclosed, Netanyahu rejected claims of Israeli unwillingness to negotiate a hostage release, but reiterated the condition of Hamas disarmament, adding that Hamas leaders would be allowed to leave Gaza after surrendering weapons. He also stated that Israel would ensure Gaza’s overall security and would implement the Trump Plan, which involves the relocation of Gaza’s population to Egypt and Jordan. This plan, announced by then-President Trump in 2017, was widely criticized internationally.
The escalation followed the collapse of a fragile truce on March 18th, resulting in renewed Israeli airstrikes and ground offensives. On Sunday, an Israeli airstrike in Khan Yunis killed at least eight people, including five children, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. The ongoing conflict continues to raise international concern.
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