Netanyahu Rejects Trump Gaza Peace Plan Despite Hamas Endorsement

President Donald Trump announced a comprehensive peace plan for Gaza developed by his Board of Peace, which links a phased Israeli military withdrawal to the disarmament of Hamas. The 15-point roadmap requires Hamas to transfer weapons to a U.S.-backed technocratic body, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, and decommission its tunnels. While Hamas endorsed the framework in July and reaffirmed its commitment during meetings in Cairo and El-Alamein, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the plan, stating he would not order a withdrawal until Hamas is completely disarmed.

U.S. envoy Jared Kushner attempted to bridge the stalemate through direct negotiations, meeting with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt and Netanyahu in Jerusalem. These talks resulted in an agreement that an American general will verify Hamas's disarmament, with Kushner suggesting progress could begin within 30 days. However, Kushner later warned Hamas that failure to follow through could lead to increased international support for renewed Israeli military action to "finish the job properly."

The diplomatic deadlock drew sharp criticism from eight Muslim-majority nations, including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the UAE, which issued a joint statement holding Israel fully responsible for obstructing peace. Tensions remain high as Israel continues airstrikes in Gaza and Netanyahu faces a national election on October 27, with some Israeli officials describing the U.S. roadmap as unacceptable.