Ziggy Ojiegbe

Israel could resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas fails to disarm within a two-month deadline agreed with the United States, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

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The timeline was set during talks between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida on Monday, a well-placed source told German news agency dpa on Wednesday. Neither government has publicly confirmed the agreement.

Israel Hayom earlier reported that expert teams from both countries are now working to define clear and mutually accepted criteria for what would constitute the practical disarmament of Hamas.

Media reports suggest Hamas may be willing to surrender heavy weapons, including rockets, while seeking to retain light arms. Israeli officials, however, fear the group could attempt to preserve much of its military capability under such an arrangement.

Both Israel and the United States reportedly agree that partial disarmament would be unacceptable. Netanyahu is said to have told Trump that Hamas still has around 60,000 Kalashnikov assault rifles in the Gaza Strip.

The agreement is also said to include the full demilitarisation of Gaza, including the destruction of Hamas’s extensive underground tunnel network.

If Hamas fails to meet the agreed conditions within the two-month window, Israel would move to resume military action against the group, Israel Hayom reported.