Mediators convened: Hamas is not giving up its weapons – Israel may need to act

By Roni Siani

Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, Turkish intelligence head Ibrahim Kalin, and Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Thani met today (Tuesday) in Cairo for a joint discussion on the transition to Phase B of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

Background: Washington Is Stalled

According to Reuters and various Arab media outlets, the three states agreed to continue strengthening coordination with the American command structure, CCMC, particularly regarding what they describe as “Israeli violations of the agreement.” Yet behind the scenes, there is significant pessimism regarding the feasibility of advancing the plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Our forces in Deir al-Balah | Photo: IDF Spokesperson

Sources familiar with the details warn that the establishment of the international stabilization force, the ISF, is stuck at this stage. “The failure to establish the force will delay the disarmament of Hamas, and in the end there will be no choice but for Israel to dismantle Hamas itself. It is very complicated, and the organization is not showing any signs of disarming,” they said. According to them, the U.S. is struggling to assemble an international coalition, and Turkish pressure has led countries such as Azerbaijan to freeze their participation in the mechanism.

Turkey and Qatar increase involvement

Meanwhile, Turkey and Qatar are increasing their involvement in the Strip in an attempt to fill the vacuum created until the establishment of the international force. “Israel does not like this, but the fear is that Turkish and Qatari involvement will be forced upon it in the absence of another force entering Gaza,” sources said.

Tension between Jerusalem and Washington is rising as the return of all the fallen hostages approaches. According to the sources, the Americans are seeking to prevent sanctions by Israel on Hamas at this stage, and this allows the terror organization to “buy time” regarding the return of the fallen. Hamas, with the support of Turkey and Qatar, claims that it is Israel that is violating the agreement. The sources estimated that “the United States is slowly losing patience, and we may see American pressure on Israel.”

Meanwhile, the IDF announced this evening that it eliminated five terrorists who had barricaded themselves in tunnels in Rafah, after they were “trapped” in the area due to the partial ceasefire along the yellow line. The army emphasized that “the pressure in eastern Rafah continues.” Hamas and Islamic Jihad transferred to Israel a coffin of a fallen hostage, which will be examined at the Institute of Forensic Medicine.

This development underscores Israel’s ongoing effort to fulfill its moral and biblical mandate to defend innocent life, confront evil, and ensure security for its people. Hamas’ refusal to disarm — despite international diplomacy — highlights the persistent necessity for Israel to remain vigilant and, when required, take decisive action.