Palestine weekly: Netanyahu hedges on Gaza roadmap

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected a 15-point Gaza roadmap proposed by US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, stating Israel would not withdraw until Hamas is disarmed. Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the plan, seeking guarantees on a ceasefire, withdrawal, aid, and reconstruction. Despite the public rejection, attacks in Gaza significantly decreased this week, and reports indicate secret approval for rehabilitation work in eastern Rafah, though concerns exist about further entrenching Israeli military presence. International forces are reportedly being prepared for a phased Israeli pullback. Meanwhile, Israeli forces conducted a multi-day operation in the Qalandiya refugee camp in the West Bank, resulting in detentions and injuries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected a US-backed deal for Gaza, a move that reportedly blindsided IDF commanders who had been discussing its implementation. This decision appears to be a gamble to appease his far-right domestic allies, who advocate for intensified attacks and settlements in Gaza, ahead of upcoming elections. The US-backed plan, brokered by Donald Trump's Board of Peace, included Hamas committing to disarm and a potential pilot military withdrawal by Israel. Netanyahu's rejection defies US pressure to end conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, risking alienation of Trump, a crucial ally. While the US administration initially seemed to view the rejection as electioneering, Netanyahu's conflicting domestic and international demands create evident strains.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a 15-point Gaza plan proposed by the Trump administration, which aimed for Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal. Despite Netanyahu's public refusal, the White House reportedly views his statement as campaign rhetoric ahead of Israel's upcoming general election. A senior US official indicated understanding of Netanyahu's political needs, provided Israel continues to restrain attacks in Gaza. The plan, which Hamas had agreed to conditionally, includes the deployment of an International Stabilization Force and the establishment of a new Palestinian administration. Netanyahu stated Israel will not withdraw until Hamas is genuinely disarmed, emphasizing the need for heavy and light weaponry to be decommissioned.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected United States President Donald Trump's 15-point plan for Gaza, stating that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is "genuinely disarmed." The plan, proposed by the US-led Board of Peace, outlined a phased framework for disarmament and reconstruction, with Hamas surrendering weapons in exchange for an Israeli military withdrawal and a new Palestinian governing body. Netanyahu, facing pressure from his right-wing base ahead of elections, insists on complete disarmament before any pull-back, emphasizing the need for "real disarmament, not fictitious disarmament." This rejection creates significant challenges for mediators working on the plan, while Palestinians in Gaza anticipate increased uncertainty.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel rejects a 15-point Gaza proposal from the Board of Peace. He stated that Israeli forces will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is "genuinely disarmed" of all its weapons. While Israel is discussing Hamas disarmament with the United States, Netanyahu emphasized that any agreement must involve the complete surrender of Hamas's arsenal. Hamas, however, remains committed to a roadmap agreed upon with mediators and expects the US and mediators to pressure Israel to adhere to it. Netanyahu also reiterated his opposition to a Palestinian state in Gaza or the West Bank.

Israel is intensifying its military operations in Gaza, leading to significant Palestinian casualties, which threatens the US-backed peace plan. Despite Hamas accepting a phased ceasefire and disarmament roadmap, Israel has imposed stringent conditions, including the total disarmament of Hamas and the handover of weapons to a third party, while resisting Palestinian involvement in the process. Israeli officials cite "serious security concerns" and demand complete demilitarization before withdrawal. Experts suggest this hardline stance is partly driven by upcoming Israeli elections, with the government seeking to obstruct progress on the roadmap through continued military action and deliberate ambiguity. This escalation exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and undermines diplomatic efforts for stability.

President Donald Trump announced he has canceled planned strikes against Iran, contingent on a rapid deal being reached. This decision, made in conjunction with Israel, comes amid media reports of potential intense strikes over the weekend. Trump stated on Truth Social that the proposed deal would involve the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran's nuclear threat. He indicated that Iran and other Middle Eastern countries had requested a delay to allow for negotiations. Trump also mentioned that the US was prepared for significant military action but decided to hold off after being asked to do so. He suggested that the outlines of an agreement had been agreed upon.

President Trump announced the US would delay new strikes on Iran, provided a deal to end the conflict is quickly reached. This decision followed intervention by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who reportedly urged de-escalation due to concerns about Iranian retaliation against Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. Iran had threatened decisive retaliation against neighbors if attacked, and reports indicated Iranian drones hit Kuwait and two ships were attacked off Oman. Trump stated the delay is contingent on Iran opening the Strait of Hormuz and ending its nuclear program.

President Donald Trump announced he will halt new strikes against Iran, stating that Middle Eastern allies have reached parameters for a deal to end the five-month war. The emerging agreement, according to Trump, would include the complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran's nuclear threat. Israel has agreed to join the U.S. in pursuing this agreement. This announcement comes after Trump had suggested a resumption of heavy military strikes was imminent. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had previously expressed concerns to Trump about potential escalation and Iranian retaliation. The U.S. and Israel initiated the conflict on February 28th, aiming to dismantle Tehran's missile capabilities and prevent nuclear weapon acquisition.

President Trump announced he would halt threatened strikes against Iran, stating a deal was near that would include the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran dismissed this, calling Trump's comments "psychological operations." The strategically vital Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian control, with ships only able to pass if permitted by Iran's armed forces. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince spoke with Trump, emphasizing dialogue to reduce escalation. Previous attempts at an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz have failed, with Iran maintaining control over passage arrangements. The conflict has also impacted the Red Sea, though tensions were calmer on Sunday.

President Trump has struggled to find common ground with Iran's leadership amidst ongoing Middle East tensions. Despite Trump's claims of impending negotiations and potential deals for opening the Strait of Hormuz and denuclearization, Iran has denied any peace talks are underway, stating they are negotiating with Oman for passage through the strait. Iran has demonstrated its ability to reignite conflict by launching ballistic missiles and maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global oil supply. This strategic unpredictability has strengthened Iran's negotiating position. The situation is time-sensitive for Trump, with a looming global energy crisis and upcoming midterm elections where public support for the war is low.

The Board of Peace, established in October 2025 under President Trump's peace plan for Gaza, has failed to achieve its mandate of overseeing a ceasefire, reconstruction, and Israeli withdrawal. The article argues the board lacks the power, funding, and legal standing to be effective, instead providing political cover for continued Israeli actions in Gaza. Despite promises of reconstruction, the majority of the population remains in poor conditions, and the board has not condemned Israeli demolitions or land expansion. Major countries have declined to join, and funding pledges have not materialized. The article concludes that the Palestinian issue should be returned to the UN framework and international law.

A Board of Peace official, Nikolay Mladenov, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss a new disarmament deal with Hamas. The agreement, announced by President Donald Trump, aims for the complete decommissioning of weapons in Gaza and a transition to civilian governance. Mladenov also urged Netanyahu to halt Israeli strikes in Gaza, as the Board of Peace pushes for the implementation of the disarmament plan. Israel had previously expressed "serious security concerns" regarding the agreement and had increased strikes in Gaza, resulting in civilian casualties. The article notes that no airstrikes were recorded in Gaza on the day of the meeting.

US President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel's withdrawal from Gaza is contingent upon Hamas' complete disarmament. This assurance followed objections from Netanyahu, whose security cabinet members had advocated for rejecting the deal. Netanyahu's office had expressed concerns to the United States after Trump previously described an agreement for Hamas to surrender weapons to a Palestinian governing committee as a "major milestone." The Board of Peace's initial text had proposed a phased withdrawal by Israel, prompting the security cabinet's push to abandon the plan.

A deal has been announced for Hamas to disarm in stages in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, following nearly three years of conflict. The agreement, confirmed by the US and other mediators, was heralded by President Trump as a historic step towards lasting peace. However, concerns about implementation are widespread due to past failures and deep mistrust between the parties. Hamas insists disarmament is contingent on Israel ending hostilities and withdrawing forces, while some Israeli officials, like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have rejected the draft. Palestinian Islamic Jihad also expressed reservations about the agreement. The technocratic National Committee for the Administration of Gaza welcomed the roadmap.

Hamas has reportedly reached an agreement to disarm, a significant development that could potentially end the war in Gaza. This agreement is part of a broader road map that requires concessions from Israel, including ending hostilities and withdrawing its troops. The deal, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, outlines a phased approach where disarmament would be followed by an Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of an International Stabilization Force. However, the implementation faces considerable challenges, as disarmament is a core aspect of Hamas's identity and has been a major sticking point in previous negotiations. Israel has not officially commented but has previously expressed skepticism about Hamas's willingness to disarm. The agreement's guarantors include the U.S., Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar.

Donald Trump announced an agreement for the "complete disarmament" of Hamas in Gaza, presented as a step towards a new Palestinian government and Israeli security. However, neither Hamas nor Israel immediately confirmed the agreement, and sources close to the talks indicated uncertainty about its viability. An Israeli official stated that the proposed terms were unsatisfactory, as Israel demands complete disarmament and demilitarization as a precondition. Hamas leaders are reportedly discussing the plan with mediators, with a Hamas official indicating a "positive and good" response, though not confirming full disarmament. The proposed roadmap includes transferring authority to a US-backed Palestinian committee and eliminating militant infrastructure, based on reciprocal steps. The article notes that the reality on the ground in Gaza contrasts with this plan, with ongoing Israeli military operations.

Hamas has announced its acceptance of a disarmament plan for Gaza, which includes laying down its arms and an Israeli troop withdrawal. This development, described by US President Donald Trump as a significant step towards peace, is based on a 15-point US-led roadmap and a four-page document seen by the BBC. The plan outlines a phased disarmament process for Hamas and other Palestinian factions, overseen by the Palestinian National Committee and an International Stabilisation Force, with heavy weapons to be stored securely. This disarmament is conditional on Israel fulfilling its commitments under an initial ceasefire agreement. Israel, however, remains skeptical of Hamas's willingness to disarm and insists on no withdrawal until Hamas lays down its weapons. The plan also addresses the future of civil servants employed by Hamas's former government.

A new agreement for Gaza, announced by President Trump, aims to end the Israel-Hamas war through Hamas disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and the transition to a civilian governing body. The international Board of Peace, established by Trump, will oversee the implementation of this deal, which requires Hamas to surrender weapons and tunnels. This agreement follows months of difficult negotiations and aims to pave the way for reconstruction, estimated to cost $70 billion. Hamas has agreed to the disarmament, while Israel has not yet commented. The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza will manage the region post-Hamas control, including establishing a new police force. Challenges remain, including Israeli suspicion of certain board members and Palestinian concerns about representation.

US President Donald Trump announced a deal for Hamas to disarm in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, claiming Israel is "very happy" with the arrangement. Hamas has confirmed its agreement to the first step of this plan, which involves surrendering weapons to a Palestinian committee. However, Israel has not yet formally agreed to the terms, with some officials expressing strong opposition. The agreement, brokered by mediators, includes the establishment of an International Board of Peace chaired by Trump and a Palestinian committee to oversee Gaza's administration. The process involves Hamas preparing an inventory of weapons, followed by oversight from an International Stabilization Force and a new Palestinian police force, with incremental Israeli withdrawal occurring concurrently. The timeline for these steps remains unclear and contingent on Israeli approval and changes in the security situation on the ground.

The US military conducted "heavy" strikes against Iran on Wednesday in retaliation for attempted Iranian ballistic missile attacks on American forces. Centcom stated these strikes targeted "dozens" of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in response to Iran firing missiles at US bases in Jordan and ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. These actions follow recent US-Saudi strikes on Iranian proxies in Iraq and come after a period of relative calm during which talks for a diplomatic solution were reportedly underway, though Iran denied discussions were happening. All Iranian missiles fired on Tuesday were intercepted.

Jordan's air defenses intercepted five missiles launched from Iran early Wednesday, with the Jordanian military confirming they were destroyed. This occurred shortly after the U.S. military announced it had downed an Iranian missile barrage targeting American forces in the Middle East, ending a brief lull in hostilities. U.S. Central Command stated that all Iranian missiles aimed at U.S. forces were intercepted. In conjunction with Saudi Arabia, U.S. forces also struck sites in Iraq used by Iran-backed militias for launching attacks. The U.S. warned that further aggression against American troops or Saudi energy infrastructure would prompt additional action.

Saudi Arabia and thirteen other nations have formed the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance to enhance collective maritime defense cooperation and secure vital waterways. Announced on Thursday, the alliance aims to protect freedom of navigation, international trade, and energy supply routes through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. This initiative comes amid escalating hostilities, particularly attacks by Iran-backed Houthi fighters on this strategic corridor. The alliance's activities will include intelligence sharing, operational planning, and joint exercises, with its nature described as purely defensive. The participating states view maritime security as a shared responsibility to confront transnational threats.