Full Breakdown
Israel Issues 60-Day Ultimatum for Hamas Disarmament
2/17/2026, 12:57:50 AM
Escalating Tensions and Military Threats
Israel has announced a 60-day ultimatum for Hamas to disarm, threatening to resume military operations in the Gaza Strip if the group fails to comply. This announcement was made by Israeli Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs during a conference in Jerusalem, where he stated that Hamas must relinquish all its weapons, including AK-47 rifles, which Israeli leaders consider crucial to the group's military capabilities. The ultimatum aligns with a broader diplomatic effort led by the Trump Administration, which has requested this timeframe as part of a peace initiative aimed at stabilizing Gaza following months of conflict.
Background of the Conflict
The current tensions stem from a two-year war that began with a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli fatalities. Since then, the conflict has escalated, leading to significant casualties on both sides, with Palestinian health officials reporting over 72,000 deaths in Gaza. The ceasefire established on October 10, 2025, has been fragile, with both parties frequently accusing each other of violations.
The Disarmament Plan
Fuchs indicated that the 60-day countdown might start after the upcoming meeting of the US-led Board of Peace, scheduled for February 19, 2026. He emphasized that if Hamas does not disarm, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will "complete the mission," implying a potential return to large-scale military operations. The disarmament demand is part of a 20-point peace plan endorsed by the UN Security Council, which aims to reshape Gaza's governance and security landscape.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the disarmament plan, including Hamas, have rejected the notion of surrendering their weapons, proposing instead that they be "stored or frozen." Hamas views itself as a resistance movement against Israeli occupation, which complicates the disarmament negotiations. Additionally, Israeli military officials have reported ongoing violations of the ceasefire, with incidents of Hamas operatives emerging from tunnels and engaging IDF troops, further straining the already tenuous truce.
Official Statements and Responses
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that disarmament is a prerequisite for any reconstruction efforts in Gaza, stating, "Reconstruction cannot proceed while Hamas retains weapons." He has characterized the AK-47 rifles as a significant threat, particularly in light of their use during the October 7 attack. Meanwhile, US officials have expressed support for the disarmament initiative, emphasizing the need for compliance from both sides to ensure lasting peace.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While Israeli officials assert that Hamas is systematically violating the ceasefire, Hamas claims that Israel has also breached the agreement. The ongoing violence and military operations have led to a complex situation where both sides prepare for potential escalations, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the peace plan and the prospects for a stable resolution.
What's Next?
The upcoming Board of Peace meeting in Washington will be pivotal in determining the next steps in the disarmament process. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as the potential for renewed conflict looms large if Hamas does not comply with the disarmament demands. The outcome of this ultimatum could significantly impact the future of Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
