The Israeli leadership has decided to toughen terms in negotiations over a deal with Hamas. The move is aimed at increasing pressure in discussions regarding the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, the Associated Press reports.
According to demands submitted to the US administration, the Israeli military must retain full freedom of action even after the implementation of the second phase of the peace plan begins. If Hamas attempts to rebuild its military infrastructure or poses a threat again, Israel retains the right to immediately resume operations in the enclave.
Demands for control and disarmament
Another condition from Jerusalem was the exclusion of Qatar and Turkey from the list of countries tasked with international oversight of compliance with any future agreement. Furthermore, the Israeli side demands that all weapons surrendered by Hamas in the second phase be completely destroyed, rather than handed over to a third party for storage.
Israel has also raised objections regarding former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is a member of the Peace Council chaired by Donald Trump. The exact nature of these disagreements has not yet been disclosed.
Positions of the parties
On July 30, US President Donald Trump announced an agreement involving the complete disarmament of Hamas. According to American sources, the transfer of weapons from the Gaza Strip could begin within two weeks.
However, the sides interpret the terms of the agreement differently. Hamas representative in Iran Khaled al-Qaddumi stated that following a ceasefire, the collection and storage of heavy weapons would be handled exclusively by the Palestinian side.
Press secretary of the Israeli Prime Minister's Office Doron Spielman confirmed that the Israeli side had expressed serious security concerns to the White House regarding the proposed disarmament agreement.
Source: 9tv.co.il