Key Facts
- Netanyahu's stance
- No Israeli withdrawal until Hamas completely disarms
- Disagreement
- Differences with Trump administration over disarmament deal
- Bodies recovered
- 112 victims, including 40 children
- Still missing
- 157 bodies not found; at least 7,400 reported under rubble
- 2023 strike
- More than 300 killed on November 22 in Sabra neighbourhood
- War toll
- Over 73,377 Palestinians killed; 1,200 Israelis killed on Oct 7, 2023
Background
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israeli forces will not withdraw from their current lines in Gaza until Hamas has completely disarmed. His remarks, made in a social media post on Tuesday, suggest differences between Israel and the Trump administration over a recent deal announced to disarm the militant group.
The agreement, part of an October ceasefire that ended major military operations but has stalled on other fronts, called for Hamas to begin disarming and for Israel to halt strikes and begin withdrawing from Gaza. Netanyahu instead insisted that disarmament should come first, and that Israeli forces would continue to 'do whatever is necessary to protect themselves, our territory, and our citizens.'
Netanyahu also said, 'The Trump administration sent us a draft. We did not agree. It is not our draft. We sent our comments.' He added, 'This is our position. We stand firm on our interests, I believe both wisely and resolutely.'
Current Situation
Earlier on Tuesday, Palestinians gathered for a mass funeral of more than 100 bodies finally recovered from a deadly Israeli strike in Gaza in 2023. The strike on November 22, 2023, killed more than 300 people when warplanes flattened a residential block in Gaza City's Sabra neighbourhood.
Around 40 bodies were recovered soon afterwards, but most were buried deep beneath the rubble. Over the weekend, first responders recovered remains of 112 victims, including 40 children, according to the Civil Defence, a rescue agency operating under the Hamas-run Interior Ministry. It said 157 bodies still have not been found.
The remains, wrapped in Palestinian flags, were laid in rows on the ground, many marked with photos and flower petals scattered around. Hundreds of people surrounded the bodies for funeral prayers, some standing on the rubble. Following the prayers, people carried the bodies on stretchers along a narrow street lined by destroyed buildings and buried them in a nearby cemetery.
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Killed in Nov 22, 2023 strike | More than 300 |
| Bodies recovered soon after | Around 40 |
| Bodies recovered over weekend | 112 |
| Children among recovered | 40 |
| Bodies still not found | 157 |
| Reported missing under rubble | At least 7,400 |
| Palestinians killed in offensive | More than 73,377 |
| Israelis killed on Oct 7, 2023 | Around 1,200 |
| Hostages taken | 251 |
Impacts
The recovery of bodies has contributed to the war's rising toll. The Hamas-led militant attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 73,377 Palestinians, including since the ceasefire, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
At least 7,400 people have been reported by relatives to still be under the rubble, said Zaher al-Waheidi, head of the ministry's records department. The true number is likely thousands higher because in some cases entire families were killed in a single bombing, leaving no one to report the missing.
The people mourned on Tuesday were from a residential block belonging to the Hassayna and Abu Sharia clan, and many were related. The Associated Press has identified at least 60 families across Gaza who lost 25 or more family members during the first three months of war.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If Netanyahu maintains his position that disarmament must precede any withdrawal, the ceasefire could remain stalled, and further recovery efforts may be delayed. The fragile ceasefire that took effect in October has allowed such efforts to push ahead in parts of devastated Gaza, but continued disagreements could hinder progress.
Should the Trump administration and Israel reach a revised agreement, there could be a phased withdrawal and disarmament process. However, if Hamas does not comply with disarmament demands, Israeli forces may continue their operations, potentially leading to further casualties and complicating recovery efforts.
The true number of missing remains unclear, and future recovery operations may uncover more bodies, adding to the toll. The situation remains fluid, and the outcome depends on negotiations and on-the-ground developments.
Source: bordertelegraph.com
