Israel says it will keep proactive military operations in Gaza despite ceasefire

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir told commanders that the Israel Defense Forces will continue to act "proactively" in the Gaza Strip, aiming to eliminate threats and protect Israeli communities. He said the army has "significantly weakened" Hamas and altered the security situation on the ground.

Zamir’s remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace council announced a proposed cease‑fire and disarmament plan that would see Hamas lay down arms and Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the proposal, saying Israel will not pull back its troops until Hamas fully disarms. The cease‑fire that began in October 2025 remains in place, but hostilities have not stopped.