Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally rejected the U.S. peace draft for Gaza, declaring it was not Israel's project after his coalition partners intensified pressure to dismiss the plan ahead of October legislative elections. Netanyahu praised President Donald Trump as a great friend but insisted Israel's existence is not negotiable, while a spokesman warned the proposal failed to prevent further Hamas massacres.
Despite the US-led Board of Peace assuring Israel it would not withdraw troops before Hamas fully disarms, Israel demands complete disarmament before any pullback. A senior US official suggested Trump would be deeply disappointed if Israel refused the plan.
Meanwhile, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem announced the group secured agreement from Palestinian factions on the roadmap and urged Washington to pressure Israel to comply. Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir stated the military will continue proactive operations in Gaza, where it controls over 60 percent of the territory.