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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz denied reports that Israel plans to reopen Gaza's Erez Crossing next week, stating the northern Gaza crossing will only reopen once Hamas is disarmed. The denial comes despite reports that preparations were underway for an imminent reopening amid US pressure to show progress on the Gaza peace process. The crossing has remained a key point of contention in ceasefire implementation, with humanitarian and reconstruction efforts partly contingent on expanded access points into Gaza. The dispute highlights continuing friction between Israeli conditions tied to Hamas disarmament and international pressure to ease movement restrictions.