Israel demands complete demilitarization of Gaza, minister says

Sa’ar said that Israel will not support a plan that would see civilian control of Gaza transferred from Hamas to the Palestinian Authority, adding that when it comes to the future of the enclave, the most important thing is a deradicalization policy.

Tuesday also saw IDF forces withdrawing from southern Lebanon in accordance with the cease-fire agreement signed with Hezbollah, except for five strategic positions on the Lebanese side of border. Regarding Lebanon, the foreign minister said that Iran is making huge efforts to restore terror group with financial support, partly in cooperation with Turkey.

“Our demand now is that Israel enters phase two negotiations and commits to the humanitarian protocol including caravans and heavy machinery into the Strip.” According to the official, the commitment must come from the Egyptian and Qatari mediators.

However, the security cabinet in its meeting late on Monday, decided to concentrate on completing the first phase of the cease-fire and hostage release deal and not to mandate the Israeli delegation to the negotiations to move toward the second phase because there is no agreement among ministers regarding an end to the war.

The delegation was given a “general mandate” to prevent the first phase from being disrupted. Israel is seeking a weeks-long extension of the phase.