Will Hamas disarm and how were they pressured to release the hostages

In a recent i24NEWS report from the program On the Record, analysts examined whether Hamas will disarm and the specific pressures that led the group to agree to release hostages under the latest Egyptian-Qatari proposal.

Ceasefire Framework Outlined in Witkoff Proposal

The proposal put forward by US envoy Steve Witkoff calls for a 60-day truce during which Hamas would release around half of the 50 remaining hostages, including 20 believed to be alive, in two separate batches.

Under the terms, Hamas would also return the bodies of 18 deceased hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Hamas submitted a written response on June 12, 2026, accepting the framework without amendments or conditions, according to a Hamas source cited in mediation channels.

Netanyahu Insists on Complete Hostage Release

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated it would only accept a deal if all hostages are released in one go rather than in phases.

Netanyahu told reporters that Hamas faces immense pressure from ongoing military operations and mediator demands.

The prime minister reiterated his vow that the war will not end until Hamas disarms and Gaza undergoes full demilitarization.

IDF Launches New Operations in Gaza City

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir described the current stage as a turning point in the 22-month war, with intensified strikes now focused on Hamas positions in Gaza City.

Israeli tanks supported by air and artillery units made a surprise advance into the southern Sabra neighborhood, surrounding several schools and a UN-run clinic.

The Security Cabinet met this week to approve further escalation of military pressure, including a large-scale evacuation order for parts of Rafah.

Hamas Links Disarmament to Statehood Demand

Hamas officials maintained they will not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is established.

Mediators from Qatar and Egypt presented a plan for gradual disarmament beginning with heavy weapons and the handover of tunnel maps in exchange for phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Hamas rejected key parts of the disarmament clause but offered a counterproposal that still commits to the initial 60-day truce.

Tel Aviv Protests Demand Hostage Deal

Hundreds of thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv this week to press the government to accept the ceasefire proposal.

Families of hostages expressed concern that the new IDF offensive in Gaza City could place remaining captives at greater risk.

One protester stated she fears her son could be harmed if military operations expand further into urban areas.

Mediator Pressure and Regional Implications

Qatar's prime minister traveled to Cairo to coordinate maximum pressure on Hamas alongside Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty.

Abdelatty described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as beyond imagination following months of restricted aid access.

President Trump posted on social media that the remaining hostages would return only when Hamas is confronted and destroyed.

Security Concerns Over Classified Leak

Israeli authorities indicted a close aide to Prime Minister Netanyahu for leaking a classified document that detailed Hamas negotiating positions to the media.

The incident raised immediate concerns about compromised intelligence during active hostage talks.

Israeli security officials continue to monitor how the leak may affect ongoing mediation efforts led by Egypt and Qatar.