Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his commitment to disarming Hamas, ‍the Palestinian militant group, through either a peaceful agreement based on a proposal by former US⁤ President Donald Trump or through military⁣ force. Netanyahu made the declaration on Sunday, October 5, 2025, ​according to a report by ‌the Agence⁤ France-Presse (AFP) news agency.

“Hamas will be ‍stripped…⁣ it will happen either diplomatically through Trump’s plan or ⁣militarily by us,” Netanyahu said in the⁢ statement,as reported by AFP. He further asserted, “I also say ⁤to Washington. It will be achieved in an easy way or in a difficult way, but⁢ will be achieved.”
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Background: Trump’s Proposal and Hamas Hostage Release

‍ The‍ statement follows a‍ recent declaration by Hamas indicating approval for the release ‍of all hostages – both those ⁤alive and those remaining – in accordance with the exchange formula outlined in ​former President Trump’s proposal. This⁢ suggests a potential framework for negotiations, though the details of the proposal remain largely undisclosed.

‌ ⁣ Hamas’s statement, as reported, was: “This movement announced its approval for the release of all hostages – both alive and still​ remaining – in accordance with the exchange formula listed in the President Trump’s proposal,” (wnv/wnv).

Netanyahu’s Stance on Disarmament

Netanyahu’s dual-track approach – pursuing disarmament⁢ through diplomacy while​ simultaneously preparing ​for military action – reflects a long-standing Israeli policy towards⁤ Hamas. Israel views Hamas as a terrorist organization ⁣and a important threat to its security,citing the group’s history of rocket ‍attacks and ​other violent acts.
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The insistence on disarmament is a core demand‍ in ​any potential peace negotiations. Though, Hamas has consistently rejected calls to disarm, arguing that it is indeed necessary for resisting Israeli occupation.