Israel opposes Gaza peace plan ‘in its current form,’ minister says

Israel Opposes Gaza Peace Plan in Current Form, Says Minister

The Israeli government has expressed opposition to the US-backed peace plan for Gaza in its current form, according to Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen. Cohen stated that the plan, which is part of a 15-point Roadmap, is not acceptable to Israel due to concerns about Hamas’s intentions.

“Hamas is planning a deception,” Cohen said in an interview with Israel’s Channel 14 broadcaster. “They will say that they intend to abide by the agreement, hand over some of their weapons, and obtain what we used to call, in the language of the past, a hudna.” Cohen noted that Hamas has used ceasefires in the past to regroup and prepare for renewed attacks on Israel.

Cohen also emphasized that Hamas is a “murderous terrorist organization” and that Israel does not trust any agreements signed by the group. His comments come after Hamas reportedly agreed to the terms of the Roadmap, which requires the group to lay down its arms and transfer control of Gaza to a technocratic Palestinian body.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly rejected the 15-point framework, stating that no Israeli withdrawal will occur before Hamas is fully disarmed. Netanyahu has also instructed Israel Defense Forces soldiers to defend themselves and Israeli territory, and has pledged not to withdraw from current positions in the Gaza Strip until Hamas is completely disarmed.

Doron Spielman, international spokesman for Netanyahu, noted that Hamas has violated the Gaza ceasefire 17 times in a single day, including attempted infiltrations and tunneling. Spielman emphasized that Hamas is in violation of the 20-point plan brokered by US President Donald Trump, which requires the group to lay down its arms.

The US administration has been trying to persuade Hamas to demilitarize the Gaza Strip, but Israel remains skeptical. Cohen’s comments highlight the challenges facing the peace process, with Israel insisting on Hamas’s disarmament before any withdrawal or agreement can be reached.

Article and image source: jns.org