Overview
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said an ultimatum to disarm is expected within days and that the IDF would move to occupy the Strip if Hamas refuses.
- He said Israel anticipates international legitimacy and U.S. backing for such action, with the military already drafting plans and weighing two or three operational options.
- Under the ceasefire’s first phase Israel holds positions behind the Yellow Line covering over half of Gaza, while the second phase ties further withdrawal to Hamas disarmament.
- The Trump-led Board of Peace secured roughly $7 billion in reconstruction pledges and initial troop commitments for an International Stabilization Force of up to 20,000 focused on Israeli-cleared areas.
- Reporting indicates Hamas is resisting full demilitarization by embedding loyalists in civilian bodies, as Gaza authorities count 615 deaths since the truce and both sides allege near-daily violations.