Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a US-backed Gaza peace plan, vowing that Israel will not withdraw from the territory until Hamas is “genuinely” disarmed. The plan, proposed by a US-led peace board, aimed to move the conflict into a second phase, with Hamas laying down its weapons in exchange for Israeli withdrawal (nst.com.my).
Netanyahu’s rejection comes amid ongoing tensions between Israel and the United States, with the Israeli leader accusing the Trump administration of pushing an unrealistic agenda. The plan was also criticized for not addressing key security concerns for Israel, which views Hamas as a terrorist organization (businessday.ng).
Trump had previously claimed there had been a breakthrough in the plan, stating that both Israel and Hamas had agreed to the terms. However, Netanyahu dismissed the idea, arguing that the plan would not lead to lasting peace. The Israeli leader emphasized that Israel’s security needs must come first, and that Hamas must be fully disarmed before any military pullout (independent.co.uk).
The rejection has raised concerns about the future of the peace process, with some analysts suggesting it could further strain US-Israel relations. Meanwhile, the situation in the region remains volatile, with ongoing violence and political uncertainty.
