Netanyahu Rejects Gaza Withdrawal, Rules Out Palestinian Statehood
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed any possibility of pulling Israeli forces out of Gaza and rejected the idea of a Palestinian state, even as Hamas confirmed it is reviewing a peace plan unveiled by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The 20-point plan, announced on Monday at the White House with Netanyahu standing beside Trump, calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and the creation of an international “Board of Peace” to oversee Gaza’s governance. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is expected to play a role on the board.
The proposal also suggests a “credible pathway” towards Palestinian self-determination and eventual statehood, dependent on Gaza’s reconstruction and reforms in the Palestinian Authority — a condition Netanyahu firmly dismissed.
“There is no agreement to a Palestinian state,” Netanyahu said in a video message on X after his White House meeting. “Israel will forcibly resist such an idea. Withdrawal from Gaza is not happening.”
He further disclosed that Trump had assured Israel of “full backing to do what you would have to do” if Hamas rejects the proposal.
Hamas, however, has not given a formal response. Officials of the group said the plan is under review “responsibly and in good faith,” with consultations ongoing between negotiators and regional partners including Qatar and Turkey.
Reports from the BBC suggested Hamas may issue a “yes, but” response, likely welcoming certain elements of the plan while demanding clarification on Israel’s military presence and the future of Palestinian statehood.
The peace plan demands that Hamas release 20 living Israeli hostages and return the remains of others within 72 hours, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and bodies held by Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said peace now depends on Hamas, insisting Israel wants a “de-radicalised, demilitarised” Gaza.
The initiative has attracted support from Arab states including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia and Pakistan, alongside endorsements from European leaders. EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said Europe was “ready to contribute,” while French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Hamas to embrace the plan.
Trump described the announcement as “one of the greatest days in the history of civilisation,” pledging that it could bring “eternal peace in the Middle East.” He warned that if Hamas rejects the plan, Israel has his “complete support to finish the job.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
