A Peace Council official has said that US President Donald Trump’s plan for the Gaza Strip remains in place and that discussions with Israel are continuing, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejecting an Israeli withdrawal before Hamas is, in his words, “effectively” disarmed.
Netanyahu renewed his opposition to the Gaza plan on Sunday in remarks to his right-wing government that were broadcast on television, even as the Israeli military has effectively halted its attacks on the Strip under US pressure.
“The plan remains in place and is clearly moving forward,” the official told Reuters.
The official added: “The process is based on implementation and verification on the ground. Discussions with Israel are continuing, and the framework has been designed so that each phase moves to the next only after the required commitments have been fulfilled.”
Questions Over the Timeline
Trump said last month that progress had been made on his plan to end the war, which was accepted by both Israel and Hamas.
The proposal calls for Israeli forces to withdraw in parallel with the disarmament of Hamas, while an international stabilisation force would operate alongside a new Palestinian police force to secure the Gaza Strip.
Complications, however, quickly emerged over the timetable for implementing the plan.
“The roadmap is between the Peace Council and Hamas, while discussions with Israel are continuing,” the official said.
“Israel is not required to rely on trust or take irreversible steps before verifying that tangible measures have been implemented on the ground.”
