Netanyahu’s Rejection of Gaza Peace Plan Raises Fears of Prolonged War

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of a US-backed 15-point plan for Gaza has raised concerns that the conflict could continue indefinitely and further undermine efforts to establish a lasting ceasefire.

The US-led proposal calls for Hamas to disarm in exchange for a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. It also proposes transferring governance of the territory to a technocratic Palestinian committee supported by an international security force.

However, Netanyahu has insisted that Israeli troops will not withdraw until Hamas is “genuinely disarmed”, a position analysts say could bring the fragile diplomatic process to the brink of collapse.

The Israeli leader’s decision has sparked concern among Palestinians, who fear a renewed escalation of Israeli military operations. Gaza-based political analyst Eyad al-Qarra said Netanyahu’s position could pave the way for further assassinations, air strikes and military operations around the so-called “Yellow Line”, an Israeli-imposed buffer zone in Gaza.

The Gaza Government Media Office accused Netanyahu of deliberately obstructing negotiations and using the diplomatic process to buy time while continuing the war.

Hamas, meanwhile, said it remained committed to the US-led diplomatic process and called on mediators and international guarantors to ensure that all parties respect the ceasefire agreement.

Regional concerns

Egypt has also warned against any attempt to force Palestinians out of Gaza.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said so-called “voluntary displacement” would not be voluntary if conditions were deliberately created to make life in Gaza impossible. He described any forced displacement of Palestinians as a “red line” for Egypt and other Arab and Islamic countries.

Political analysts argue that Netanyahu’s demand for complete Hamas disarmament before an Israeli withdrawal may be difficult, if not impossible, to implement.

Middle East expert Mahjoob Zweiri said the demand could effectively prevent the agreement from being implemented, arguing that the absence of a trusted neutral authority and a comprehensive weapons database makes total disarmament extremely difficult.

Other analysts believe Netanyahu’s decision is also linked to his political future. With Israeli elections approaching in October and corruption charges still hanging over him, they say the prime minister may be seeking to strengthen his position among right-wing voters by presenting himself as a leader willing to challenge Washington.

The rejection has also raised questions about relations between Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, with analysts warning that the dispute could trigger a new diplomatic confrontation.

For Palestinians in Gaza, however, the immediate concern is the possibility of renewed violence and further deterioration of an already severe humanitarian situation.

The latest development has left the US-brokered ceasefire under increasing pressure, with the future of the Gaza peace process remaining uncertain.