Netanyahu rejects Gaza peace plan
Netanyahu rejects US-backed 15-point Gaza peace plan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday officially rejected a 15-point Gaza peace roadmap presented by the U.S.-led "Board of Peace," insisting that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is completely disarmed.
Marking Israel’s first straightforward rejection of the plan, Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting that forces- estimated to control 70 percent of Gaza —will continue operations to "thwart threats". He defined disarmament as the removal of all weapons, both heavy and light.
While noting ongoing talks with the U.S., Netanyahu stated that while some ideas are acceptable, Israel will "stand our ground" on disputed matters. The plan, drafted by Nickolay Mladenov in May and announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in July, claimed agreement on the "complete disarmament" of armed groups.
Hamas previously agreed to the roadmap’s second phase but demanded a complete halt to "aggression," full Israeli withdrawal, and reconstruction progress. Since an October 2025 ceasefire, Israeli attacks have reportedly killed over 1,250 people and injured 4,100 in Gaza, according to local health authorities.
3 hours ago