US pushes Gaza peace plan despite Israeli objections
US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Jared Kushner has met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after holding talks with Hamas representatives over the implementation of a US-backed Gaza peace plan.
Kushner arrived in Israel after meeting a Hamas delegation in Egypt, in what is believed to be the first high-level meeting between the sides since last year’s ceasefire agreement.
Peace plan faces obstacles
Trump’s 15-point plan calls for a phased Israeli military withdrawal, the disarmament of Hamas and the reconstruction of Gaza under a new civilian Palestinian administration.
Israel has rejected the proposed roadmap, insisting that Hamas must completely surrender its weapons before Israeli forces withdraw.
Hamas, meanwhile, has agreed to give up its weapons in exchange for a phased Israeli withdrawal.
Envoys seek progress
Board of Peace representatives Nickolay Mladenov and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair are also expected to meet Netanyahu as efforts continue to revive the plan.
Hamas has called on mediators to pressure Israel into approving the next stage of the proposed agreement.
Netanyahu faces political pressure
Netanyahu’s rejection of the plan comes as his government faces growing political pressure, with coalition members demanding a tougher approach towards Hamas.
The disagreement also risks creating tension between Netanyahu and Trump, despite the close relationship between Israel and the United States.
Gaza ceasefire remains fragile
The ceasefire that began in October remains in place, although Israeli strikes have continued and both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violations.
The latest diplomatic efforts are focused on Hamas’s disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawals, humanitarian assistance and the possible deployment of an international stabilising force in Gaza.
