Israel Conditions Gaza Withdrawal on Hamas Disarmament

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Katz stated that Israeli forces will not withdraw from Gaza until the Hamas movement is disarmed and its tunnels in the so-called “Red Zone” area are destroyed.

He also claimed that the area Israel refers to as the “security zone” has been completely demolished, with no houses remaining. According to him, a similar policy has been pursued in southern Lebanon, where homes in 24 villages have been destroyed.

Katz further asserted that the Al-Shujaiya and Jabalia areas no longer “exist” following extensive Israeli attacks. These remarks come amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, where vast parts of the strip have suffered widespread destruction.

Since October 2023, Gaza has been the scene of intense clashes between Israel and Hamas, with Israeli military operations causing extensive damage to infrastructure and residential areas across the enclave.