Fighting, Withdrawing, or Doing Nothing: What's Happening in Gaza

As of the morning of August 4, the IDF continues strikes on Gaza, eliminating two terrorists. Netanyahu discussed a possible pause with Mladenov, but mediators accuse Israel of violations. Ministers Smotrich and Struk criticize the plan, calling disarmament a fake. The Peace Council insists that withdrawal will occur after disarmament.

As of the morning of August 4, the situation in Gaza remains tense. The IDF continues strikes: yesterday, August 3, two terrorists traveling in a car were eliminated. No ceasefire order has been given. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a conversation with Nikolai Mladenov, Director-General of the Peace Council, who asked to suspend strikes for two weeks to complete agreements with Hamas. Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey condemned the 'ongoing Israeli violations' in the Gaza Strip. The main disagreement is whether Israel should withdraw as part of an agreement with Hamas that stipulates phased disarmament and a full IDF withdrawal. Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Orit Struk claim that the military-political cabinet was presented with inaccurate information about the plan and call disarmament a 'fake.' The Peace Council states that Israel confirmed agreement with the plan, but withdrawal beyond the yellow line will occur only after disarmament is completed. Hamas confirms commitment to the second phase. A Peace Council representative calls the question of the yellow line a 'play on words,' noting that the IDF already stands on it.