Netanyahu and Katz deny reports of Erez Crossing reopening next week

The office of the Israeli Prime Minister and the Ministry of Defense stated that the reopening of the Erez Crossing is only possible once Hamas is disarmed. This denial follows reports of technical preparations for a potential reopening amid US pressure to make progress on peace in Gaza. The Times of Israel reported that despite international pressure to improve the humanitarian situation, senior Israeli officials maintain that no change to current policy will occur without the condition of Hamas being disarmed.