Key facts
- Germany's foreign ministry views Donald Trump's Gaza plan as a path to Hamas disarmament.
- The plan requires Hamas disarmament before Israeli withdrawal.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the 15-point plan.
- A senior U.S. official suggested Netanyahu's rejection was political rhetoric.
- A Board of Peace official confirmed the plan remains operative and discussions with Israel are continuing.
Germany's foreign ministry has indicated that it views U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed plan to end the conflict in Gaza as a potential pathway toward the disarmament of Hamas. The plan reportedly requires Hamas to disarm before any Israeli withdrawal from the territory, representing a shift from previous terms.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected the 15-point document, stating that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would not withdraw until Hamas was genuinely disarmed of all weaponry. However, a senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously, suggested that Netanyahu's statement was likely political rhetoric aimed at appeasing domestic constituents ahead of the upcoming general election scheduled for October 27.
A Board of Peace official stated on Monday that the plan is "very much still operative and advancing," and that discussions with Israel are continuing. The official emphasized that the process is based on implementation and verification on the ground, with each stage moving forward only once required commitments have been met.
The proposed roadmap includes a ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, a phased Israeli withdrawal, and the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups. A key component of the plan involves the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) comprised of international troops, who would work alongside a new Palestinian police force to secure Gaza. The construction of the first ISF base is reportedly scheduled to begin in Rafah by the end of the month.
Hamas officials have confirmed their agreement to the framework, contingent on Israel's mutual compliance. The plan was initially welcomed by the UK and the European Union as a significant step. However, mainstream Israeli opposition politicians have also raised concerns regarding the sequencing of disarmament and withdrawal.