A coalition of eight Arab and Muslim-majority nations has demanded a total Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as part of ongoing peace negotiations.

The call came at the weekend but, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stoutly rejected it, setting the stage for deeper diplomatic friction.

In a joint communiqué, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, and others voiced support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal but only on strict conditions.

They proposed an end to Israeli airstrikes, the release of all hostages, a full military pullout, and the restoration of Palestinian (PA) governance in Gaza.

Netanyahu, however, pushed back in a fiery address, declaring that Israel will not cede Gaza.

He insisted that Israeli forces will remain on the ground to ensure Hamas is completely dismantled “if not by diplomacy, then by force.”

The clash of positions threatened to derail fragile negotiations and prolong uncertainty over Gaza’s future governance.

While Arab leaders frame their demand as a prerequisite for peace, Israel’s leadership is signaling a determination to retain military control until its security objectives are met.

Analyst said, PM Netanyahu’s address has given Zionist direction who will control Gaza after the ceasefire, and applauded him for unfailing patriotism and diplomatic zeal in prosecuting the war and the hostages swap.