Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally rejected a US-backed peace proposal for Gaza at a cabinet meeting on Sunday, stating that Israeli military forces would not withdraw from the territory until Hamas undergoes complete disarmament. The 15-point plan, announced in September last year, was developed by Trump’s Board of Peace and includes provisions for Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawal, and Gaza reconstruction.
The proposal has faced resistance from multiple parties over implementation sequencing. Hamas has stated that surrendering heavy weapons would be contingent on Israel ending military operations and withdrawing its forces. Netanyahu took the opposing position, arguing that genuine disarmament must occur first, emphasizing that any disarmament process cannot be superficial or incomplete.
A Hamas official responded by reaffirming the group’s commitment to the agreement and willingness to implement the plan responsibly, while calling on mediators to ensure all parties comply with agreed terms. Trump administration officials have maintained that the plan remains the only viable path forward for Gaza’s future and have noted that Israel would not be required to withdraw until Hamas’s disarmament could be independently verified.
Netanyahu’s rejection comes amid domestic political pressure from right-wing coalition members who oppose the peace plan. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and others have called for a new cabinet vote to terminate Gaza-related agreements. The Israeli leader stated he is in ongoing discussions with US officials about potential modifications, indicating willingness to negotiate specific elements while maintaining his core position on disarmament sequencing.
The impasse represents another setback for the peace initiative. According to UN figures, approximately 1.9 million people—roughly 90 percent of Gaza’s population—have been displaced since the conflict began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched an attack that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has resulted in more than 73,000 deaths according to Gaza’s health ministry.
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