On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel’s rejection of a proposed 15-point peace plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces would not withdraw until Hamas is “genuinely disarmed.”

The plan, backed by the United States, included phased Israeli withdrawal, gradual disarmament of Hamas, establishment of a Palestinian-led civilian administration, and steps toward humanitarian aid and reconstruction.

Palestinians in Gaza expressed skepticism and frustration following the rejection. Nesma Harazin, a 27-year-old displaced writer from Gaza City’s Shujayea neighborhood, said, “We are dealing with an Israeli occupation army that is capable of stopping these operations, but does not accept stopping them and continues to kill the Palestinian people.” Another Palestinian, aged 53, remarked, “We are under occupation. As far as we are concerned, any ceasefire is temporary.”

A statement issued on Monday described Netanyahu’s rejection and opposition to Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as “a clear and unequivocal reversal of the negotiation track.”

The rejection has also heightened tensions between Israel and the United States and raised doubts about achieving lasting calm without Israeli withdrawal, reconstruction, and guarantees.

Sources