‘We have no one’: Palestinians react to Israel’s rejection of Gaza plan

What Happened

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a United States-backed 15-point plan for Gaza, which included a phased Israeli withdrawal, the gradual disarmament of Hamas, a Palestinian-led civilian administration, and steps towards humanitarian aid and reconstruction. In Gaza City, displaced residents expressed frustration and scepticism. Nesma Harazin, a 27-year-old writer from Shujayea, called the proposal a long-standing plan of Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump and warned that rejection could lead to harsher Israeli operations and further displacement. Mehdi Ahmed, 53, said any ceasefire is temporary and that lasting peace is impossible while Palestinians remain weak. Ramez Haniyeh, displaced to Nuseirat after his home was destroyed, viewed the plan as a missed opportunity to end the war and predicted renewed escalation and a deteriorating humanitarian situation. Hamas issued a statement late on Sunday reaffirming its commitment to the plan and urged mediators to prevent violations. The Gaza Government Media Office blamed Netanyahu for reversing negotiations and called for international pressure. The article reported that Israeli attacks have killed at least 1,258 people since an October ceasefire, bringing the overall toll since October 2023 to at least 73,386.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Netanyahu’s rejection of the US-backed framework deepens Palestinian mistrust in ceasefire processes and underscores the wide gap between Israeli demands and international proposals. It heightens the risk of resumed or intensified military operations and further displacement in Gaza, while also straining US-Israeli diplomatic coordination. The statements from Gazans reflect a population with diminishing hope for a durable resolution, which could fuel further cycles of violence.

Watch For

Responses from mediators Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, including potential revised proposals or diplomatic pressure; any announcement by Israel of new military objectives, evacuation orders, or expanded operations; Hamas’s military or political reactions beyond its verbal commitment; and the evolving humanitarian and economic conditions in Gaza, which may intensify public desperation.