Kifah Zboun

The Israeli army is backing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position on the proposed 15-point Gaza agreement and has set three conditions: unrestricted military freedom of movement in Gaza, army control of Hamas’s disarmament, and no partial Israeli withdrawal until Hamas is fully disarmed. Netanyahu reportedly rejected demands to halt attacks and withdraw behind the yellow line, prompting the Board of Peace to revise language on the timing of an Israeli pullout. Israel also opposes Turkish and Qatari participation in the disarmament committee and favors destroying weapons rather than storing them. Hamas has rejected the revised position and is seeking firm implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire, while significant Israeli concessions appear unlikely before the October 27 elections.

Arab Barghouti reported that his father, imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, was shot with a rubber bullet by an Israeli prison guard and denied medical treatment, allegations rejected by the Israel Prison Service. The incident occurs amid what Palestinians describe as escalating Israeli incitement as international advocacy for Barghouti’s release grows. Previous reported assaults, an Arab League call for an international investigation, and political commentary surrounding Barghouti’s influence highlight his continued symbolic weight in Palestinian politics. Israeli authorities compare him to Hamas leaders and accuse him of political interference, while some Israeli journalists dispute these claims. International attention has increased, including remarks from former US President Donald Trump, as Barghouti’s supporters emphasize his leadership role and potential future candidacy.