The Israeli government has once again delayed committing to a framework that could advance a broader ceasefire and political settlement in the Gaza Strip, underscoring a long-standing pattern of rejecting or revising agreements under domestic political pressure. While international mediators continue efforts to secure a durable end to the conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear that his government has not approved the latest U.S.-backed proposal, despite reported assurances that any Israeli withdrawal from Gaza would only begin after the complete disarmament of Hamas.
The latest developments come as Gaza continues to endure one of the gravest humanitarian catastrophes in its modern history. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the war has resulted in more than 73,000 deaths and over 174,000 injuries since October 7, 2023. Palestinian officials report that women and children account for roughly half of those killed, while approximately 90 percent of Gaza's urban infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. Large portions of the territory remain without adequate medical care, clean water, electricity, or functioning sanitation systems.
Discovery of Mass Casualties in Gaza City
One of the most devastating reminders of the conflict emerged this week in Gaza City's Sabra neighborhood, where the remains of 112 members of the Abu Sharia and Al-Hassaina families were recovered nearly two years after an Israeli airstrike destroyed an entire residential block on November 22, 2023.
The funeral procession, one of the largest held during the war, included the remains of 44 children under the age of sixteen, 37 women, and more than ten people with disabilities. Palestinian residents describe the attack as the "Sabra Neighborhood Massacre," alleging that approximately 308 people were killed when multiple buildings collapsed under intense bombardment.
Netanyahu Rejects Immediate Commitment to U.S. Peace Proposal
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel has not accepted the draft peace framework presented by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking in a video message, Netanyahu explained that the proposal reflected Washington's position rather than Israel's own conditions.
"They sent us a draft proposal that we have not approved," Netanyahu said. "It is not our proposal. We conveyed our observations to them."
His remarks came after Hamas announced its willingness, in principle, to surrender its weapons during the second phase of the proposed peace initiative. The plan reportedly envisions the gradual disarmament of Hamas alongside a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
However, the Peace Council responsible for overseeing the initiative later assured Israeli officials that no Israeli withdrawal would begin until Hamas had completely dismantled its military capabilities, including light and heavy weapons, rocket stockpiles, and tunnel networks.
Following a meeting between Netanyahu and representatives of the Peace Council, both sides emphasized what they described as a shared understanding regarding the final objectives in Gaza.
Domestic Politics Shape Israeli Decision-Making
Political calculations appear to be heavily influencing Israel's approach to negotiations.
Netanyahu faces parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27, with analysts suggesting that any significant military withdrawal before the vote could weaken his coalition and strengthen opposition criticism.
His governing coalition continues to rely on support from religious extremist ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, both of whom have openly opposed concessions to Hamas and have demanded continued military pressure.
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