Behind the Scenes of the Gaza Ceasefire Deal: Netanyahu's Amendments on IDF Withdrawal and Hamas Disarmament

While U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly discussed the Gaza plan in front of cameras at the White House, intense diplomatic efforts were unfolding behind the scenes. According to an informed source speaking to "Axios," Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, was tasked with presenting the proposal to Hamas leaders in Doha.

The source indicated that Hamas leaders informed the Qatari side they would "study the proposal in good faith." U.S. officials are hopeful for a response from the movement before the end of the week, although Trump has not specified a definitive deadline.

The Israeli Amendments Behind Closed Doors:

The backstage details revealed a crucial six-hour meeting on Sunday involving White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, with Netanyahu and his advisor Ron Dermer.

Netanyahu succeeded in introducing several substantial amendments to the plan's text, particularly concerning the conditions and timeline for the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The new, revised wording linked Israel's withdrawal to the progress of the Hamas disarmament process, and crucially, it granted Tel Aviv veto power over the assessment and implementation of this process.

"Axios" reported that Israeli forces would remain inside a security perimeter in Gaza "until it is fully secured against any renewed terrorist threat," a condition that could effectively mean indefinite military presence.

In this context, Witkoff told "Fox News" on Monday that Trump’s plan enjoys "broad support across the Middle East and Europe," adding: "We have broad acceptance. Are there still some details that need to be worked out? Yes. But you know President Trump... he will push everyone forward."

Positive Elements for Palestinians and Hostage Conditions:

Conversely, a senior Arab official involved in the negotiations confirmed that despite Netanyahu's amendments, the plan still contains "many positive elements for the Palestinians," in addition to the cessation of fighting.

These elements include the plan's exclusion of the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, its rejection of any permanent Israeli occupation of the Strip, and its commitment against the annexation of the West Bank. Furthermore, the plan pledges to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, supports a "credible path toward self-determination and a Palestinian state," and obliges Washington to resume peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

Regarding the hostage file, Trump's plan stipulates that "all hostages, alive and deceased, will be released within 72 hours of Israel's public acceptance of the agreement." It remains unclear whether Netanyahu's acceptance has activated this condition. Even with a positive response from Hamas, reaching a final agreement is expected to take significantly longer than three days.

Pressure on Hamas and the Alternative Clause:

U.S. and Israeli officials are hoping that Arab and Islamic nations will pressure Hamas to accept the plan, pointing to indications that some of the movement's leaders may be ready to move forward.

Trump's plan also includes a contingency clause should Hamas reject it: "Should Hamas delay or reject this proposal, the above, including the expansion of the aid operation, will move forward in the terror-free zones that Israel hands over to a provisional security force."

Trump himself was more explicit, delivering a clear message to Netanyahu: "If Hamas rejects the deal, Bibi, you will have our full support to do what is necessary."