Thursday, 6 August 2026, 15:40
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing back on a U.S.-announced plan for Gaza, saying Israel will not withdraw until Hamas is completely disarmed. The deal, unveiled by President Trump, remains a draft, according to Netanyahu.
Netanyahu said in a video statement that the Israel Defense Forces will continue to "do whatever is necessary to protect ourselves, our territory, and our citizens." He added: "The Trump administration sent us a draft. We did not agree. It is not our draft."
Trump announced the agreement on Thursday, calling it "a critical step" toward a new Palestinian government in Gaza. The plan reportedly had Hamas beginning to disarm while Israel stops strikes and starts withdrawing from the roughly 60% of Gaza it currently controls, according to The Associated Press.
On Friday, Hamas confirmed it had agreed to the deal. However, Hamas insists Israel must halt its attacks before addressing disarmament, creating a stalemate.
While the negotiations occur thousands of miles away, California's diverse communities in Los Angeles and the Bay Area closely watch the Gaza conflict. No direct local impact is currently reported.
The agreement builds on an October ceasefire that ended major military operations and saw the release of remaining hostages in Gaza. That deal stalled on other issues, leaving key disputes unresolved.
Netanyahu's public rejection now casts doubt on the U.S. deal's path forward. With elections approaching in October, his position carries political weight, and the next steps in Gaza remain uncertain.
