Israel Rejects Trump\u2019s Gaza Peace Plan, Demands Hamas Disarmament First

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in a Sunday cabinet meeting that Israel would not accept the 15‑point Gaza peace proposal outlined by US President Donald Trump\u2019s Board of Peace. Netanyahu stated that a military withdrawal could only occur after Hamas has been “genuinely disarmed,” rejecting the framework that calls for a total cessation of hostilities in exchange for disarmament.

The Board of Peace claims it has secured a comprehensive disarmament agreement with Hamas, which would also involve the removal of heavy weapons and the construction of a reconstruction plan for Gaza. However, Hamas has insisted that Israel must cease all forms of aggression and withdraw its forces before it will hand over its armaments. Israeli officials say the withdrawal must be phased and verified, while the US maintains that the plan is the only viable path to lasting peace.

Netanyahu echoed concerns that the plan would give Hamas a political cover to maintain its military capacity. He said, “Israel will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed and will continue to thwart threats against our forces and our citizens.” This stance stresses that the peace process cannot advance without a clear demonstration of Hamas disarmament.

The decision comes amid mounting pressure from Israel’s right‑wing coalition, which has called for a tougher line on Gaza. It also follows a new ceasefire agreement last October that failed to curb the ongoing humanitarian crisis; Gaza remains one of the most densely populated regions, with more than 70,000 casualties recorded by Israeli health authorities, according to UN sources.

In the broader context, the conflict in Gaza has escalated since October 2023 when Hamas launched an attack that killed about 1,200 civilians. Israel responded with a sustained military campaign that has devastated infrastructure and displaced approximately 1.9 million people, with 90% of Gaza’s population forced to flee. Local and international actors continue to call for a verifiable, staged withdrawal aligned with genuine disarmament.