Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich Threatens Gaza Occupation If Hamas Fails To Disarm

In a recent development, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that Hamas will soon face an ultimatum to disarm, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) prepared to occupy Gaza if the group fails to comply. Smotrich stated, "We estimate that in the coming days, Hamas will be given an ultimatum to disarm and completely demilitarize Gaza," emphasizing that the IDF would have "international legitimacy and American backing" to act independently if necessary. This statement comes as part of the ongoing tensions following a U.S.-sponsored ceasefire that has been in place since October 10, 2023, which halted a two-year offensive that resulted in over 72,000 deaths, primarily among women and children, and left more than 171,000 injured. Under the ceasefire's first phase, the IDF withdrew to positions behind a Yellow Line but still controls over half of Gaza, leading to accusations of ceasefire violations from both sides, with Gaza's health ministry reporting 615 Palestinian deaths due to Israeli actions since the truce began.