"Eternal Presence" Rhetoric Threatens Ceasefire: Hamas Accuses Israel's Katz of Violating Gaza Peace Terms

A war of words has erupted following Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s declaration that the military will "never withdraw from all of Gaza," a stance Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem labeled a "blatant violation" of the October 10th ceasefire agreement. Qassem warned that such remarks unveil an Israeli plot to displace the population, directly contradicting the U.S.-backed peace roadmap.

During an event in the West Bank, Katz initially alluded to establishing outposts in northern Gaza, though his office later clarified that the Nahal Brigade's presence is "strictly for security purposes" with no intent for civilian settlements. These tensions complicate the transition to the second phase of Trump’s 20-point plan, which mandates a full, phased Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of a UN-mandated international stabilization force. While Israel demands Hamas’s disarmament, the movement remains steadfast in its refusal, insisting on a complete pullout.