Hamas Rejects Key Elements of Gaza Peace Plan
Hamas has reportedly reneged on parts of a US-brokered peace plan for Gaza. The group is insisting on a complete ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces before it will consider proposals for international oversight of the region. The rejection prolongs regional uncertainty and stalls diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
- The U.S.-brokered "Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict" was first announced on September 29, 2025, with an initial ceasefire between Israel and Hamas going into effect on October 10, 2025. - The first phase of the plan, which has been partially implemented, called for Hamas to release all living and deceased hostages from the October 7, 2023 attack in exchange for Israel's release of approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. - The plan proposes a "Board of Peace," chaired by the U.S. President, to oversee post-conflict Gaza and authorizes an "International Stabilization Force" (ISF) to provide security. The UN Security Council endorsed this framework in a 13-0 vote in November 2025. - The current disagreements are centered on the second phase of the plan, which U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff announced had begun on January 14, 2026; this phase involves forming a transitional government of Palestinian technocrats and the full demilitarization of Gaza. - While initially rejecting the presence of foreign troops, a Hamas spokesperson recently stated the group is open to international peacekeeping forces to monitor a ceasefire, but not to interfere in Gaza's "internal affairs". - Key international mediators in the ongoing negotiations have included the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. - This agreement follows previous failed attempts at lasting ceasefires, including truces that collapsed in late 2023 and March 2025. - The plan calls for the eventual transfer of governance to a reformed Palestinian Authority and outlines a conditional path toward the recognition of Palestinian statehood.
