Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his call for Hamas to be expelled from the region, a stance he emphasized following the U.N. Security Council’s endorsement of President Donald Trump’s peace plan to resolve the ongoing conflict. Notably, while Netanyahu publicly backed the plan during a visit to the White House in late September, his latest comments suggest a divergence in views between Israel and the United States regarding future steps.
Hamas has openly expressed its opposition to certain aspects of the peace initiative, which includes provisions for the group to receive amnesty contingent upon disarming and committing to peaceful coexistence. Despite the plan garnering international support, it has faced challenges due to entrenched positions on both Israeli and Hamas fronts, complicating any potential implementation without explicit timelines or enforcement mechanisms.
In a series of posts on X, Netanyahu praised Trump’s proposal, which advocates for the complete disarmament and deradicalization of Gaza. He urged neighboring countries to join Israel in the effort to remove Hamas from governance over the Palestinian people, clarifying that having no Hamas presence in Gaza is a priority.
However, the peace plan, which aims to reshape the governance of Gaza, does not explicitly mandate Hamas’s disbandment or departure. It instead offers a pathway for members who agree to cease hostilities and disarm. The proposal also outlines reforms for the Palestinian Authority as a means to establish credible conditions for Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
Ahead of the U.N. vote, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s opposition to Palestinian statehood, reflecting the influence of far-right allies within his government who have resisted any signals of support for independence. He further cautioned against any Palestinian Authority involvement in Gaza, asserting Israel’s determination to control the territory post-conflict.
The Security Council’s resolution also authorizes a multinational force to be deployed in Gaza to stabilize the situation, a move that has drawn criticism from Hamas. They have rejected the notion of international guardianship over Gaza, instead calling for the monitoring of a ceasefire to be strictly limited to border areas with U.N. oversight.
Despite the complex dynamics, political analyst Reham Owda suggested that Hamas’s response should be interpreted as an avenue to negotiate the role of the proposed international force, rather than an outright rejection.
As these deliberations unfold, the ceasefire—first established on October 10—remains fragile, with Israel maintaining control over significant portions of Gaza. Recent reports indicate that the conflict has led to substantial civilian hardship, with over 56,000 Palestinian lives lost. The humanitarian crisis has compounded the need for international attention, as residents face dire circumstances.
Businessman Abu Abdallah from central Gaza expressed a dual concern regarding international forces, fearing their potential involvement could result in another form of occupation while acknowledging the necessity for a resolution to cease hostilities.
The ongoing dialogue highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to addressing humanitarian needs while navigating the complexities of military and political engagement. Amidst the suffering, there remains a glimmer of hope that sustained international efforts could lead to a resolution fostering peace and stability in the region.
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