Palestine weekly: Netanyahu hedges on Gaza roadmap

Following a US-brokered agreement announced on July 30 for Hamas disarmament, Israeli strikes in Gaza intensified, killing dozens of Palestinians. Hamas stated it would not implement the deal without Israel halting attacks and withdrawing troops, while Israel insisted on full disarmament before withdrawal. Within days of the announcement, at least 19 Palestinians were killed in a single day, and the weekend death toll reached 26. These attacks occurred in residential buildings and on tents sheltering displaced people, resulting in civilian casualties, including families and children. A strike also destroyed a medicine warehouse attached to Al-Aqsa Hospital. July was the deadliest month in Gaza this year, with 152 killed. In the occupied West Bank, July was also the deadliest month for Palestinians in settler attacks since October 2023.

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.

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened further strikes on Iran, citing Iran's alleged violation of a truce and attacks on commercial ships and American soldiers, as the U.S. pushes to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Following these threats, Kuwait reported responding to Iranian drone attacks on vital facilities, and a tanker was struck in the Strait of Hormuz. In Gaza, Israel conducted heavy strikes after the militant group Hamas agreed to disarm, a move that remains a potential breakthrough for ending the war but faces significant obstacles. Elsewhere, Houthi rebels blockaded Saudi shipping, forcing vessels to reroute, and Israeli forces destroyed an underground tunnel network in southern Lebanon used by Hezbollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly rejected a 15-point peace plan for Gaza, developed by the Trump administration. Netanyahu stated that Israel will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is disarmed of all weaponry, emphasizing a need for genuine disarmament. This marks a rare public disagreement with President Trump. The plan, proposed in July, stipulated Hamas disarmament in exchange for an Israeli military withdrawal and a Palestinian National Committee transition of power. Netanyahu's rejection comes amid ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza and ahead of upcoming elections, as he seeks to project strength on national security. The head of Trump's Board of Peace maintained the plan is the "only way forward."

Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's explicit rejection of a US-led 15-point peace plan for Gaza, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Monday that their relationship remains "very good." Netanyahu formally refused to endorse the plan, which proposed Israel withdrawing forces in exchange for Hamas disarmament, after days of escalating criticism. This rejection aligns with pressure from Netanyahu's right-wing base and cabinet members. The plan, announced by Trump late last month, outlined a phased approach for armed groups in Gaza to surrender weapons to a new Palestinian governing body, with Israel beginning troop withdrawals to end the conflict. Netanyahu had previously acknowledged receiving a draft but disagreed with it, making Sunday his first formal assertion of refusal.

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.

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 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 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.

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.