Palestinian Hamas leader, political chief in Gaza
Hamas has backed the latest stage of the Gaza plan, urging US mediation to press Israel to comply and begin implementing the second phase, while Israeli officials keep insisting Hamas must disarm before any withdrawal. Netanyahu contends Israel will not accept the 15-point framework, warning of strategic deception and warning that Israeli operations will continue.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the US-backed 15-point Gaza roadmap and has said Israeli troops will not withdraw until Hamas is genuinely disarmed. Israel has largely paused targeted strikes while US mediators press for implementation; Hamas has affirmed its commitment to the roadmap but conditions its cooperation on Israeli withdrawal and a halt to operations.
The Gaza ceasefire framework is facing renewed pressure as Netanyahu rejects the 15-point plan, insisting Hamas must fully disarm before any withdrawal. U.S.-led mediators say the roadmap remains operative, while Hamas calls on Washington to pressure Israel. Violence persists, with casualties mounting in Gaza and settlements in the West Bank intensifying.
A US-backed plan to disarm Hamas and set a path to Israeli withdrawal has stalled after Israeli prime minister Netanyahu rejects the 15-point framework, arguing for genuine Hamas disarmament before any withdrawal. Hamas conditions the surrender of heavy weapons on an Israeli withdrawal and the establishment of a Palestinian state. The dispute leaves Gaza’s future uncertain as regional players weigh leverage and timing ahead of elections.
Israel has maintained a military posture in Gaza with continuing air strikes and ground operations. Hamas leadership has engaged with mediators while Egyptian talks intensify as the US and regional players seek to press for a roadmap, even as the intensity of conflict remains high.
Kushner and a U.S. envoy delegation have met Hamas leaders to advance the Gaza roadmap. Netanyahu maintains disarmament is a precondition for any Israeli withdrawal. Regional powers back mediators as talks accelerate toward a schedule for implementation.
Palestinian sources have told The New Arab that a broad national list could include Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Dahlan’s Reform Current and other groups, aiming to contest November legislative elections. The talks follow Cairo meetings and reflect tensions between Fatah and Gaza authorities over election logistics.
Israel has demolished more than 2km of Hezbollah tunnel infrastructure beneath the Ali al‑Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, using over 1,000 tonnes of explosives and creating a blast that registered as a 4.1‑magnitude tremor. The Israeli military says it has established operational control above and below ground and will hold a security zone while continuing strikes when necessary.
Netanyahu has a brief US visit to address the UN General Assembly. He is not spending the night in the US, cancelling a Texas stop, and flights are being redirected amid security concerns and protests. The ICC warrants and political tensions frame the trip, with protests anticipated in New York.
Gaza’s reconstruction is proceeding with a BoP blueprint, proposing $2.4 billion in initial projects, while UNRWA’s role is being questioned by the Board of Peace. Officials differ on UNRWA’s future, as Gaza faces a severe humanitarian crisis and ongoing conflict.