Lead

The US-led Board of Peace has said an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza will only take place after the disarmament of Hamas is complete, following a meeting between the body’s director, Nickolay Mladenov, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The meeting on Monday in West Jerusalem came as Israeli politicians signalled their displeasure with the deal, announced by US President Donald Trump last Thursday. The Board of Peace, established by Trump in January to oversee the administration of Gaza, said in a statement that its goal is clear: the complete decommissioning of weapons in the Strip and the transition away from rule by the gun to civilian governance.

Coverage Comparison

Al Jazeera reported that the Board of Peace said the withdrawal of the Israeli military beyond the Yellow Line—the demarcation line behind which Israeli forces continue to base themselves in Gaza—will take place only once decommissioning is complete, as Hamas committed to the mediators. This applies to light weapons, heavy weapons, and the tunnels alike. The outlet also noted that Hamas has insisted the deal will not be implemented unless Israel implements its part of the agreement.

The South China Morning Post reported that the Board of Peace assured Netanyahu that Israel’s withdrawal would only begin after Hamas’ complete disarmament, following his objections. The board said it had reached a “common understanding of the shared objectives” with Israel. Two members of Netanyahu’s security cabinet had urged a vote to tear up the deal championed by Trump, according to the same report.

The Hindu reported that Mladenov held “constructive and detailed” talks with Netanyahu and his team, according to a Board of Peace statement. The Hindu also noted that Hamas said it remains committed to the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, including all parties’ obligations.

Key Claims

  • The Board of Peace said the goal is clear: complete decommissioning of weapons in Gaza and a transition to civilian governance. This was reported by both The Hindu and Al Jazeera.
  • Israel’s withdrawal beyond the Yellow Line will occur only once decommissioning is complete, as reported by Al Jazeera and the South China Morning Post.
  • Mladenov met with Netanyahu on Monday for what he acknowledged was difficult work, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
  • Hamas said it remains committed to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, as reported by The Hindu and Al Jazeera.
  • Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey denounced ongoing Israeli strikes in a statement, as reported by Al Jazeera and The Hindu.
  • Two members of Netanyahu’s security cabinet urged a vote to tear up the deal championed by Trump, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
  • The Board of Peace said it had reached a common understanding of shared objectives with Israel, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
  • Israel has killed more than 73,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023, according to Al Jazeera. The Hindu reported that Israel has killed 1,250 people since the ceasefire deal was reached in October. These figures differ, and both are presented as reported by the respective outlets.

Perspectives

Board of Peace

The Board of Peace, as reported by multiple outlets, insists that Israel’s withdrawal is contingent on complete Hamas disarmament, and that the goal of decommissioning weapons and transitioning to civilian governance is not in question.

Hamas

Hamas, as reported by The Hindu and Al Jazeera, says it remains committed to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement but insists the deal will not be implemented unless Israel fulfills its part.

Israel

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office, as reported by the South China Morning Post, said it had raised concerns to the United States. Two members of his security cabinet urged a vote to tear up the deal, indicating internal opposition.