Netanyahu rejects Gaza roadmap proposed by Board of Peace

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a 15-point Gaza roadmap proposed by the US-led Board of Peace. Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military will not withdraw from the Palestinian territory until Hamas is fully disarmed. While Hamas has reaffirmed its commitment to the roadmap, the group is demanding guarantees regarding a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and aid and reconstruction efforts.

Board of Peace envoy Nickolay Mladenov indicated that any Israeli pullback would occur incrementally as areas are declared free of weapons, with international forces eventually taking over vacated ground. Disarmament would reportedly extend to all armed groups in Gaza, not just Hamas.

Despite the official rejection, reports suggest shifts on the ground. Gaza’s Health Ministry noted a sharp drop in Palestinian fatalities in recent weeks. Additionally, Israeli officials have reportedly approved infrastructure rehabilitation in eastern Rafah, involving Palestinian laborers. Meanwhile, preparations for the second phase of the agreement continue, with plans for an International Stabilization Force base in Rafah expected by late August.