Representatives of bereaved Israeli families and relatives of hostages have called on the government to adopt a firm set of conditions before moving ahead with any future arrangement in the Gaza Strip.
The demands come as discussions continue over the next phase of a proposed framework that could eventually include the deployment of an international force.
Movement Calls Its Demands Non-Negotiable
The Tikva Leumit movement, which represents families affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict, said its proposals are essential to Israel’s long-term security and should not be compromised during ongoing negotiations.
According to the group, any future agreement involving Gaza must prioritize Israel’s ability to protect its citizens while preventing Hamas from rebuilding its military capabilities.
Voluntary Departure of Gaza Residents Proposed
One of the movement’s central proposals is to allow Gaza residents who choose to leave the territory to do so voluntarily.
The group believes that facilitating such departures could reduce Hamas’s influence over the local population while strengthening Israel’s overall security environment.
Supporters of the proposal argue that giving civilians the option to relocate could contribute to long-term regional stability if implemented under appropriate international arrangements.
Complete Demilitarization Viewed as Essential
The families also insisted that Gaza must be entirely stripped of weapons before any international force is allowed to operate inside the enclave.
Their position is that every category of weapon—from small arms to heavier military equipment—should be removed to ensure that terrorist organizations cannot rearm.
They argue that leaving even a limited arsenal behind would pose an ongoing threat to Israeli civilians and members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Israel Should Retain Security Freedom
Another key demand is that Israel maintain unrestricted operational freedom inside Gaza even after any political agreement is reached.
The movement wants international guarantees ensuring Israeli forces can enter the territory whenever necessary to target militants, dismantle terrorist infrastructure, seize weapons, and respond to emerging security threats without outside restrictions.
According to the families, preserving this operational flexibility is critical to preventing future attacks against Israeli communities.
Deep Skepticism Toward Hamas and International Peacekeepers
The group expressed little confidence that either Hamas or an international peacekeeping mission could be relied upon to maintain security.
Family representatives said their experiences since the October 7 attack have left them convinced that Israel must remain solely responsible for defending its citizens rather than depending on outside forces.
They warned that an international presence without meaningful authority or military capability would be unable to prevent Hamas from regaining strength.
Appeal to Israeli Leadership
The movement urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli decision-makers to reject any arrangement that places primary responsibility for Gaza’s security in the hands of foreign forces.
Instead, the families called for continued military pressure on Hamas, including targeted operations against its leadership and infrastructure, arguing that defeating the group should remain Israel’s foremost objective rather than pursuing phased security arrangements involving international oversight.
Conflict Continues to Shape Gaza Negotiations
The current debate takes place against the backdrop of the war that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched a large-scale attack on southern Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages.
Since then, negotiations over ceasefires, hostage releases, and Gaza’s post-war future have continued.
A ceasefire linked to a framework proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump took effect on October 10, 2025, but discussions over the territory’s long-term governance and security arrangements remain ongoing.
