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ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a Gaza peace plan backed by the United States, maintaining that Israel has not agreed to the proposal despite assurances that any military withdrawal would only take place after Hamas completely relinquishes its weapons.
The Palestinian militant group, meanwhile, has reaffirmed its commitment to the roadmap published last week by the US President Donald Trump’s Peace Board, which includes provisions requiring Hamas to disarm before Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza.
In a video message posted on his social media accounts on Tuesday, Netanyahu said the Trump administration believed it could ensure Hamas’ disarmament and transform Gaza into a demilitarised territory.
"We are examining it. They sent us a draft, but we do not agree with it. That is not our draft. We have submitted our comments and views," AFP reported him saying.
Despite the ongoing discussions, Israel has maintained its position that Hamas must fully disarm before any withdrawal of troops can be considered.
Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said on Wednesday that Israeli forces would continue conducting proactive operations in Gaza and pursuing those responsible for the Hamas-led attack on Oct 7, 2023, which triggered the war.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said on Wednesday that the group remained committed to the understandings reached with mediators and the Peace Board.
He urged Washington and Gaza Peace Board High Representative Nickolay Mladenov to pressure Israel to comply with the agreement, allowing serious and practical implementation measures to move forward.
The conflicting positions highlight continued obstacles to efforts aimed at ending the Gaza conflict, with both sides maintaining key conditions before any comprehensive settlement can be implemented. - August 6, 2026
