Ben't Netanyahu declares a firm stance against the U.S. 15‑point Gaza peace blueprint, stating that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas has been authentically disarmed.
The proposal, delivered by President Trump’s Board of Peace, outlined a full de‑weaponisation of Gaza, withdrawal of Israeli troops and a reconstruction programme. The plan hinges on Hamas surrendering heavy weaponry, a condition Hamas has tied to Israel ending all aggression and pulling its forces out.
Conflicting expectations earned a sharp rebuke from Netanyahu during a cabinet session on Sunday, where he emphasized that any withdrawal would be contingent upon a verified, genuine dismantling of Hamas’ arsenal. He also reiterated Israel’s commitment to neutralise threats against civilians and soldiers.
In the broader context, Israel has continued air strikes on Gaza since agreeing to an initial ceasefire last October, while the war that began with the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel has left more than 73,000 Palestinians dead and millions displaced.
Hamas representatives remain optimistic about the plan, stating that they are ready to engage seriously “in implementing” the 15‑point framework and calling on mediators to enforce compliance. However, the Israeli policy hinges on concrete disarmament steps, not nominal agreements.
Netanyahu’s stance reflects tensions with his right‑wing coalition ahead of forthcoming national elections, where hard‑line factions demand a new cabinet vote that would shut down the Gaza plan. Meanwhile, senior U.S. diplomat Nickolay Mladenov asserts the board’s package is “verifiable, reversible and offers clear steps,” but insists Israel would refrain from withdrawal until disarmament is confirmed.
All developments unfold as the United Nations reports that roughly 1.9 million people—about 90% of Gaza’s population—have been displaced since the offensive began.
Source: BBC News
