Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of a new U.S.-brokered peace plan for Gaza, stating that Israel will “forcibly resist” any such move. His remarks came during a joint announcement with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned Hamas that failure to accept the 20-point proposal would result in continued military action.
The plan, unveiled on September 29, 2025, outlines a roadmap for ending the Gaza conflict, including an immediate ceasefire, the return of Israeli hostages, and the disarmament of Hamas. In exchange, Israel would cease military operations and release Palestinian prisoners. A transitional governance structure, led by an international board featuring former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, would oversee Gaza’s reconstruction. However, the proposal includes a conditional pathway to Palestinian statehood, contingent upon reforms by the Palestinian Authority. Netanyahu dismissed this clause, asserting that Israel would not tolerate the creation of a Palestinian state.
Hamas is currently reviewing the plan, with intermediaries from Qatar and Egypt facilitating discussions. The group has expressed willingness to negotiate but maintains that disarmament is only acceptable if it leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders. The timeline for Hamas’s decision remains uncertain.
International reactions to the peace plan have been mixed. The Kremlin has expressed hope for its implementation, while European leaders and organizations like the United Nations emphasize the importance of humanitarian aid and education in any long-term solution. Palestinian factions have criticized the plan as heavily biased toward Israel, particularly its exclusion of Hamas from future governance roles.
As the situation develops, the international community awaits Hamas’s response to the proposed peace plan, which could significantly impact the future of Gaza and the broader Middle East.
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