Netanyahu Rejects US-Backed Gaza Peace Plan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a US-backed Gaza peace plan, vowing that Israeli forces will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed. This decision comes after more than a week of escalating criticism of the plan from Netanyahu’s right-wing base ahead of elections. The plan, proposed by US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, included a 15-point document that outlined the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza.
The US-backed plan stated that Hamas would surrender its weapons to a nascent Palestinian governing body, and Israel would begin pulling out its forces in tandem with the disarmament. However, Netanyahu has adamantly rejected this idea, stating that Israel wants Hamas to destroy its weapons, not just surrender them. “We are talking about real disarmament, not fictitious disarmament,” Netanyahu said.
The Palestinian group Hamas has reiterated its commitment to the roadmap published by US President Donald Trump‘s Board of Peace, which includes provisions for the group to disarm. However, Netanyahu has expressed skepticism about the plan, citing security concerns that Hamas is attempting to rearm.
This development is connected to the US-led ceasefire announced in October, which has reduced but not ended Israeli operations in Gaza. The situation remains complex, with Israel seeking genuine disarmament of Hamas before considering any withdrawal of its forces.
