Hopes for a structured resolution to the war in Gaza have suffered a major setback after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally rejected a US-backed 15-point peace framework, declaring that no military withdrawal will take place until Hamas undergoes complete disarmament.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu emphasized that any surrender of arms by Hamas could not be a "fictitious disarmament" and insisted that Israeli forces would continue operations to neutralize threats against troops and citizens. The announcement comes just over a week after US President Donald Trump highlighted what he described as a historic step toward peace, reporting that Hamas had agreed in principle to disarm on the condition that Israel withdraw its military presence from the Gaza Strip.
However, Hamas officials countered that relinquishing heavy weaponry remains strictly contingent upon a complete cessation of Israeli military aggression and full troop withdrawal. Representatives for the group reaffirmed their commitment to the overarching agreement while urging international mediators to enforce compliance across all participating parties.
Netanyahu’s firm stance reflects internal political pressures within Israel. Facing an upcoming election cycle and resistance from far-right coalition partners—including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who labeled the proposed draft unacceptable—the prime minister faces high domestic stakes against offering unreciprocated concessions. Netanyahu noted that discussions with US representatives remain ongoing to navigate conflicting points within the framework.
Diplomats overseeing the initiative have urged patience. Nickolay Mladenov, a high representative tasked with implementing the plan under the Board of Peace, defended the proposal as a multi-stage, verifiable, and reversible process. Mladenov stressed that Israeli troop withdrawals would only occur once disarmament steps could be concrete and verified, maintaining that the peace blueprint represents the only viable path to long-term security.
The diplomatic deadlock leaves millions in precarious conditions. According to United Nations figures, roughly 1.9 million residents—representing nearly 90 percent of Gaza's population—remain displaced amidst a devastating conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives since October 2023.