Netanyahu dismisses Trump's Gaza proposal, insists on Hamas disarmament before any deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly r…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly rejected the Gaza peace framework floated by former President Donald Trump, stating that no agreement can move forward unless Hamas first lays down its arms. His remarks, delivered on Sunday, marked a clear split from the U.S. proposal that had been touted as a breakthrough.

Speaking to reporters in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said that any plan that does not begin with the complete demilitarization of Hamas is not a plan Israel can accept. He argued that the group's continued rocket capabilities and armed presence in Gaza pose an existential threat to Israeli communities along the border, and that disarmament must be a precondition, not a final step.

The rejection comes just over a week after Trump announced that his negotiating team had brokered what he called a 'historic' understanding with Hamas, under which the militant group would agree to surrender its weapons in exchange for a broader ceasefire and reconstruction package. Trump's statement had raised hopes among some international mediators that a new phase of diplomacy could begin.

Netanyahu, however, cast doubt on the credibility of

Netanyahu, however, cast doubt on the credibility of that announcement, suggesting that Hamas had not made any firm commitments and that the proposal was based on vague assurances rather than verified actions. He stressed that Israel would continue its military operations until Hamas's capacity to fight is dismantled on the ground.

The divide between the Israeli leader and the former president underscores a broader tension in U.S.-Israel relations over how to handle the Gaza Strip. While Trump has positioned himself as a peace broker willing to engage with all parties, Netanyahu faces domestic pressure from hardline coalition partners who oppose any concessions to Hamas.

Analysts say the standoff leaves the region in a precarious state, with no clear path to a ceasefire. Hamas has not yet responded officially to Netanyahu's latest comments, but its leaders have previously said they would not surrender their arsenal while Israeli forces remain in Gaza.

Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies continue to warn of a

Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies continue to warn of a worsening crisis in the enclave, where food, medicine, and fuel are running critically low. Diplomats from Egypt and Qatar are reportedly trying to revive talks, but the fundamental disagreement over disarmament remains an obstacle that neither side appears willing to overcome.