Netanyahu rejects US-backed Gaza plan, Palestinian official says

Palestinian opposition leader Mustafa Barghouti said on Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s dismissal of the United States‑backed proposal for Gaza was expected. The plan, unveiled by Washington earlier this week, called for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a framework for reconstruction and humanitarian aid in the war‑torn enclave. Barghouti, a longtime critic of both Israeli policies and the Palestinian Authority, described the rejection as “no surprise,” noting that Netanyahu has repeatedly opposed any initiative that does not first secure Israel’s security guarantees and address the political status of the territories.

The Israeli government has not offered an alternative, and diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations remain stalled. International observers warned that the failure to adopt the U.S. proposal could prolong the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and hinder prospects for a broader settlement. Barghouti’s remarks underscore the growing frustration among Palestinian leaders over the limited progress toward a ceasefire and the challenges facing mediators seeking a durable resolution to the conflict.