Finding Peace at the Height of Trauma

Israel Rejects U.S.-Proposed Gaza Withdrawal Plan Until Hamas Disarms Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a U.S.-brokered 15-point plan aimed at advancing a ceasefire in Gaza, stating that Israel will not withdraw its forces from the region until Hamas is completely disarmed. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on August 9, 2026, Netanyahu emphasized that the Israeli military would not carry out any withdrawal while Hamas retains arms. He reiterated that the government considers the full disarmament of Hamas, defined as the elimination of all weapons, including heavy and light arms, as a prerequisite for any Israeli troop movement. The U.S. proposal, unveiled in late July, outlines a phased process for reducing violence in Gaza, including the establishment of a Palestinian governing body to receive weapons surrendered by Hamas. Under the plan, Israel would begin withdrawing its forces once Hamas completes disarmament. However, Netanyahu dismissed the plan outright, calling it unacceptable. He warned that as long as he remains in office, no Palestinian state would be established, either in Gaza or the West Bank. The U.S. plan followed a previous agreement signed in October 2023, which temporarily halted hostilities between Israel and Hamas. That ceasefire allowed Israel to reduce its military presence in parts of Gaza but did not end the conflict. Since then, Israeli forces have continued conducting airstrikes across the region, despite the temporary pause in fighting. According to reports, the U.S. delegation responsible for overseeing the implementation of the plan, known as the Board of Peace, had previously indicated that Israel would begin withdrawing troops after Hamas completed disarmament. However, Netanyahu’s rejection of the plan appears to complicate efforts to achieve a lasting resolution. The Israeli leader criticized the U.S. for proposing ideas that were not fully aligned with Israel’s interests and stressed that Israel knows how to assert its position on such issues. Hamas, meanwhile, has expressed support for the U.S. plan, describing it as a critical step toward ending the conflict. In a statement published on Telegram, the group reaffirmed its commitment to the 15-point proposal, which includes the cessation of Israeli attacks, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the opening of border crossings, and the delivery of humanitarian aid. Hamas urged international mediators to ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement and prevent any actions that might hinder its implementation. The U.S. has not yet responded publicly to Netanyahu’s rejection of the plan. However, earlier statements by President Donald Trump suggested optimism about the prospects for a resolution. Trump had described the agreement as a “monumental step toward lasting peace and security.” His administration had also emphasized the importance of ensuring that Hamas fully surrenders its arms, a condition that Netanyahu has insisted upon. Netanyahu’s stance reflects broader concerns within Israel over national security and the threat posed by Hamas. According to analysts, the Israeli public remains deeply divided on the issue of Gaza, with many fearing another large-scale attack similar to the one that occurred in October 2023. The prime minister has consistently argued that any withdrawal must be accompanied by guarantees that Hamas will not regain its military capabilities. The situation highlights the challenges facing international mediation efforts in the region. While the U.S. continues to advocate for a diplomatic solution, Israel’s refusal to accept any plan that does not include the complete disarmament of Hamas complicates negotiations. Meanwhile, Hamas insists that its willingness to disarm depends on Israel ceasing its military operations and allowing for the creation of a Palestinian state. As tensions remain high, the future of the conflict hinges on whether both sides can find common ground on the issue of disarmament and territorial withdrawals. For now, however, Netanyahu’s rejection of the U.S. proposal leaves the door open for further escalation or prolonged stalemate.