Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has categorically rejected the new Board of Peace roadmap aimed at disarming Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu told his cabinet on Sunday that Israel does not accept the 15-point document, stating that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not withdraw until Hamas is genuinely disarmed of all weaponry.
Despite this rejection, the White House is reportedly "not bothered" by Netanyahu's statement, viewing it as campaign rhetoric in the lead-up to Israel's general election on October 27. A senior US official, quoted by Israeli journalist Barak Ravid, indicated understanding of Netanyahu's political needs, provided Israel continues to restrain attacks in Gaza.
The US-backed peace plan, which Hamas had agreed to, involves the complete disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, with weapons decommissioned and stored by a new Palestinian administration. Israeli forces would then withdraw from over 60% of Gaza they currently control. The UK welcomed the deal, and the European Union hailed it as a "crucial step."
Amidst the political developments, the expected construction of the first International Stabilization Force (ISF) base is still scheduled to begin in Rafah, southern Gaza, at the end of August, according to Israeli public radio, Kan News. This would allow reconstruction to commence.
Nickolay Mladenov, the High Commissioner for Gaza, stated that the deal's goal is to ensure Gaza is never again a threat to Israeli security, operating on a step-by-step approach based on verification rather than trust. Hamas has since indicated its continued commitment to the roadmap and called on mediators to push for Israel to adhere to the agreed terms.