Tel aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the "Board of Peace" plan for the Gaza Strip, a proposal that had recently been accepted by the Hamas movement. In a meeting with his government, Netanyahu confirmed Israel's refusal to accept the 15-point document, emphasizing that Israeli military operations in Gaza would persist until Hamas is fully disarmed.
According to Qatar News Agency, Netanyahu's decision comes amidst ongoing dialogues with the United States, which is reportedly urging Israel to resolve its conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. US Central Command's Adm. Brad Cooper conveyed this message during a recent visit to Tel Aviv, highlighting US interest in closing these fronts.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty contacted Nikolay Mladenov, the High Representative for Gaza Affairs at the Board of Peace, to discuss the roadmap and the peace plan's requirements. Abdelatty stressed the importance of adhering to the agreed provisions, particularly the safe and sustainable flow of humanitarian aid following Israel's withdrawal from Gaza.
Hamas, under the new leadership of Khalil Al Hayya, has expressed its support for the US plan, urging American pressure on Israel to comply with the roadmap. Basem Naim, a Hamas political bureau member, called for mediator intervention to ensure Israel does not obstruct the peace process for political or electoral reasons.
Mladenov supports the 15-point plan, viewing it as a critical step forward. He emphasized that Israel must not be bound by any obligations until Hamas disarms, advocating for a separation of disarmament and withdrawal processes.
Netanyahu's stance, influenced by criticism from his far-right coalition, contradicts US officials who claim the plan aligns with a prior US-Israel agreement. This rejection raises concerns about the future of the ceasefire deal and the roadmap's implementation, with questions about who will initiate the process and how to guarantee Israel's compliance.
Observers suggest that successful implementation hinges on robust oversight mechanisms and international pressure, particularly from Arab and Islamic nations supporting the Palestinian position. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Netanyahu's actions are a strategic maneuver or a genuine attempt to derail the peace plan.
The roadmap stems from the Board of Peace's declaration and former President Donald Trump's announcement that Hamas had agreed to the next phase of the ceasefire agreement. The plan outlines steps for Israeli withdrawal, disarmament of Hamas, and the deployment of an International Stabilization Force in Gaza.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and Hamas's release of Israeli hostages, Israeli military actions continue, violating the ceasefire established on October 10. These operations have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties, further complicating the peace process.