Steve Witkoff warns Hamas has ‘no alternative’ than to leave Gaza

Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, cautioned Hamas that the beginning of a truce with Israel will include demilitarization and an exodus from Gaza.

The first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was over a week ago without any deal on a second phase. While Hamas released 29 hostages under the most recent deal, another dozen remain in captivity, including one American. Witkoff scoffed Monday at a proposal from Hamas to expel the Israeli military from Gaza on Fox News’s America’s Newsroom.

“A starter is Hamas demilitarizing, not rearming, leaving all of their arms on the ground, and leaving Gaza,” Witkoff said. “That’s the start.”

“Do you believe Hamas is willing to accept the [Israeli military] and a peace deal or some sort of negotiated truth that would leave their military in Gaza?” host Bill Hemmer asked.

“I believe they have no alternative, Bill,” Witkoff said. “There’s no logical or rational choice for them other than to leave. If they leave, then I think all things are on the table for a negotiated peace deal. That’s what they are going to need to do.”

The Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry reported that 60,000 Palestinians were killed between Oct. 7, 2023, and the beginning of the ceasefire deal last month. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters, but it estimates most were women and children.

As a result of the yet-to-be-negotiated second phase of this year’s ceasefire, Israel cut the electricity supply to Gaza to pressure Hamas leaders to the negotiation table. During the last ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in November 2023, hostages were exchanged, but Hamas abruptly ended the agreed-upon pause early by launching missiles at Israel.

Source » msn