Israel Rejects Gaza Peace Proposal, Sticks to Disarmament Policy
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel has turned down a 15-point proposal aimed at peace in Gaza, stating that Israeli forces will remain in the area until Hamas completely disarms.
During a Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu emphasized, “Israel rejects the 15-point Gaza document. The IDF will not withdraw until Hamas is genuinely disarmed.” Israel is currently in talks with the United States about Hamas’ disarmament but insists that any agreement must involve Hamas surrendering all of its weapons.
“When I say Hamas is disarmed, that includes all types of weapons,” Netanyahu added.
Hamas, on the other hand, has expressed its commitment to a peace roadmap agreed upon with mediators in Cairo ten days earlier. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim stated that they expect the United States and other mediators to encourage Netanyahu to adhere to the roadmap.
Netanyahu’s stance came as President Trump’s administration seeks to move forward with a broader plan for Gaza after a ceasefire was established last year. Trump had previously suggested that disarming Hamas could be a significant step towards achieving peace, but Netanyahu remains skeptical of the proposal.
Despite the rise of tensions and ongoing military actions in Gaza, Netanyahu declared that Israel is not willing to accept terms that compromise its security, particularly concerning the disarmament of Hamas.
Additionally, Netanyahu reiterated his strong opposition to the idea of establishing a Palestinian state, clearly stating, “As long as I am prime minister, there will be no Palestinian state, not in Gaza or the West Bank.”
His refusal of the 15-point proposal highlights the challenges in achieving a permanent resolution and the complex demands related to Hamas’ disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
While addressing security concerns, Netanyahu remarked on Israeli operations in Lebanon, stating they had recently taken significant action. He also touched upon Iran’s threats, claiming that Iran is cautious about acting against Israel due to its military capabilities.
Netanyahu concluded by expressing appreciation for President Trump, calling him a vital ally in their shared goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. “As long as I am prime minister, Iran will not have a nuclear weapon,” he affirmed.
The situation in Gaza remains tense, with both sides navigating a complex landscape of negotiations and military actions as they seek to address long-standing grievances.
