Netanyahu rejects Gaza peace plan, vows no military withdrawal until Hamas disarms

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed a U.S.-sponsored Gaza peace plan on Sunday and affirmed there wouldn't be a military pullback until Hamas is fully disarmed. In mid-July, President Trump had praised the peace plan as a "historic agreement" for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other groups within Gaza, calling it a "monumental step toward lasting peace and security."

However, Netanyahu openly opposed the proposal in a cabinet meeting, citing mounting criticism from his right-wing base ahead of the upcoming elections. He emphasized that Israel would not relinquish any territory until Hamas is genuinely disarmed and would continue to combat threats to its forces and citizens.

The peace plan, consisting of 15 points, envisaged the Israeli military withdrawing from segments of Gaza as the disarming process unfolds. Under the agreement, an International Stabilization Force and a fresh Palestinian police force would oversee security. According to Trump, this pact marks a pivotal stride towards Gaza being ruled by a new Palestinian government that collaborates with the Board of Peace to benefit the Palestinian populace, while simultaneously ensuring Israel's security by preventing Gaza from being utilized as a launchpad for terror attacks.

Despite facing calls from his far-right allies to convene a new cabinet vote and halt the Gaza plan, Netanyahu maintained that Israel is engaged in discussions with the U.S. regarding its concerns. Some of these suggestions align with Israel's stance, while others do not. Netanyahu reiterated that grappling with these matters is a proven strategy of Israel's. Additionally, he stressed that the IDF will persist in neutralizing any threats against its forces and citizens.

Netanyahu asserted that Hamas must relinquish all its weapons, a goal that members of the Board of Peace deem unrealistic. "We are talking about genuine disarmament, not superficial disarmament," he declared. In response to Netanyahu's comments, Hamas affirmed its commitment to the roadmap approved by mediators and the Board of Peace.

The organization stated that this acceptance of the roadmap, despite the hurdles, demonstrates a sense of national duty on the part of resistance factions, primarily Hamas, in the interest of the Palestinian people. The negotiations sprouted from a 20-point peace proposal proposed by Trump last fall, aiming to conclude the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The conflict erupted following Hamas' terrorist assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.