Netanyahu Rejects US-Backed Gaza Peace Plan, Demanding Full Hamas Disarmament

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outright rejected a US-backed 15-point peace plan for Gaza, demanding Hamas 'genuine' disarmament before any Israeli military withdrawal. This firm 'no' from Netanyahu, delivered Sunday, comes just as Hamas official Bassem Naim urged the US to pressure the Israeli leader to accept the deal, highlighting a growing public rift between key players seeking an end to the protracted conflict. The rejected proposal, championed by US President Donald Trump and his 'Board of Peace' last month, envisioned a phased approach: Hamas would disarm, Israel would gradually pull out, and an International Stabilization Force alongside a new Palestinian police force would take over security. However, Netanyahu, facing an upcoming election in October 2026 and pressure from his right-wing allies, insists on complete disarmament of all Hamas weaponry as a prerequisite for withdrawal, directly contradicting Hamas readiness to implement the plan under different terms. This deadlock follows the devastating October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and a fragile ceasefire in place since October 2025, leaving Gaza in ruins and peace efforts in limbo. With Netanyahu's political future tied to a hardline stance, the immediate future of the peace initiative looks shaky, despite Trump's ongoing efforts. Observers will be closely watching for any renewed US diplomatic efforts to bridge this fundamental gap, especially as the Israeli elections draw closer, which could further influence Netanyahu's position or even lead to a change in leadership. The international community fears a continuation of the cycle of conflict if a clear path forward isn't found.