Israel announced today that it will give the Palestinian group Hamas a 60-day ultimatum to disarm.
"Hamas will have to hand over all its weapons, including rifles," Israeli Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs said during a conference in Jerusalem, Anadolu Agency reported.
Fuhs said that the 60-day period was requested by the US administration.
"We respect that very much," he said.
Without confirming exactly when the ultimatum would begin, Fuhs said it could begin with a meeting of US President Donald Trump's Peace Committee on February 19.
"We will evaluate it. If it works, great. If not, then the IDF (army) will have to end the mission," Fuhs said.
There was no direct comment from Hamas or Washington on the Israeli claim.
A ceasefire agreement, supported by the United States, has been in effect in Gaza since October 10, ending a two-year war that has killed more than 72 people and injured over 171 since October 2023.
The second phase of the ceasefire agreement began in mid-January and includes provisions related to the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian factions in Gaza.
Hamas has rejected calls to hand over weapons, suggesting instead that they be stored or frozen.
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