Netanyahu rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan amid ceasefire tensions (smh.com.au)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point peace plan for Gaza backed by the United States, defying pressure from Washington. The plan, proposed by the US Board of Peace, aimed to establish a framework for a lasting ceasefire and improved conditions for Palestinians in the territory. Netanyahu’s decision has raised concerns about the future of peace talks and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The rejection comes as the US board, led by former President Donald Trump, insists the plan remains the “only way forward” to prevent a resurgence of violence. Trump’s team argues that the plan could help avoid a repeat of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which killed hundreds of Israelis. Despite the rejection, the US continues to push for a resolution, emphasizing the need for a sustainable peace agreement.
The move has intensified tensions between Israel and its international allies, with some analysts warning that the rejection could further destabilize the region. Gaza remains under siege, with civilians facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The situation underscores the deepening divide between Israeli leadership and international efforts to broker a lasting peace.
