Story perspectives

Netanyahu Keeps Erez Crossing Shut Amid Gaza Ceasefire Talks

8/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said they will keep the Erez crossing shut.
Hamas and Gaza armed factions agreed to surrender weapons and hand authority to a UN-recognized administration.
UN high representative Nickolay Mladenov warned Israeli strikes could jeopardize the ceasefire and disarmament timeline.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich insisted Hamas must be fully disarmed before any Israeli pullout, ahead of the Oct. 27 election.

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Story summary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said they will keep the Erez crossing shut.
Hamas and Gaza armed factions agreed to surrender weapons and hand authority to a UN-recognized administration.
UN high representative Nickolay Mladenov warned Israeli strikes could jeopardize the ceasefire and disarmament timeline.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich insisted Hamas must be fully disarmed before any Israeli pullout, ahead of the Oct. 27 election.