Israel Rejects Gaza Plan, Tensions With US Widen

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects the US-backed 15-point Gaza peace plan, stating that Israel will not withdraw until Hamas is truly disarmed, including both heavy and light weapons. He indicated some US proposals may be acceptable while others are not, signaling a willingness to negotiate but without compromising core security demands. The rejection creates a sharp standoff with the Trump administration, which has touted the framework as a way to end the Gaza conflict. Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the plan it agreed in the peace process, while US officials have yet to provide a unified response. The impasse casts doubt on an immediate peace breakthrough and complicates ongoing US-led mediation efforts in West Asia. Broader regional dynamics involving Iran and Red Sea shipping routes are noted but treated as separate from Netanyahu’s Gaza position.