Israel Rebuffs Trump-Backed Proposal for Hamas Disarmament

The Israeli government has formally dismissed a 15-step

The Israeli government has formally dismissed a 15-step initiative advanced by the Trump administration's peace team, which sought to broker a ceasefire by requiring Hamas to surrender its arsenal in exchange for a full Israeli military pullout from Gaza. Officials in Jerusalem described the plan as unworkable, citing security concerns and the lack of a clear enforcement mechanism.

The proposal, unveiled last month by the so-called Board of Peace, envisioned a phased process where Hamas would hand over heavy weaponry under international supervision, followed by a staged Israeli redeployment. In return, the plan promised reconstruction aid and the lifting of the blockade. However, Israeli leaders argued that such a sequence would leave the country vulnerable to attacks and effectively reward a terrorist organization.

A senior Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the government would not accept any framework that legitimizes Hamas's military wing or allows it to retain political control in Gaza. The official added that any future arrangement must begin with the complete dismantling of Hamas's fighting capabilities, not merely a token gesture of disarmament.

Palestinian factions, meanwhile, gave the plan a cool

Palestinian factions, meanwhile, gave the plan a cool reception, with Hamas representatives insisting that their weapons are a legitimate means of resistance and not up for negotiation. The disagreement underscores the deep impasse in efforts to end the conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives since the outbreak of hostilities.

The Trump-backed proposal was seen as an unconventional attempt to break the deadlock, but its rejection by Israel now leaves the initiative in limbo. International mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, continue to push for a ceasefire, though they face an uphill battle given the entrenched positions of both sides.

As the region grapples with the fallout, analysts suggest that the collapse of this plan could prompt a more hardline stance from the incoming U.S. administration, which has signaled a return to traditional diplomacy. For now, the prospects for peace remain bleak, with no clear path forward on the horizon.