Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday demanded that Hamas be expelled from the region, a day after the U.N. Security Council endorsed U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza. The plan controversially offers amnesty to Hamas members who disarm and commit to peaceful coexistence.
Netanyahu had publicly endorsed Trump’s proposal during a White House visit in September, but his latest remarks reveal clear differences with Washington. While the U.S. plan stops short of calling for Hamas’ removal, Netanyahu insisted Israel and its neighbors must “join us in expelling Hamas and its supporters from the region.”
Diplomats say entrenched positions on both sides have stalled progress. The plan lacks timelines or enforcement mechanisms, raising doubts about its viability despite strong international backing. Hamas has already objected to key provisions, particularly the multinational force authorized by the Security Council to stabilize Gaza.
Contradictions in the Plan
Trump’s framework promises amnesty and safe passage for Hamas members who renounce violence, while barring the group from any role in Gaza’s governance. However, it does not explicitly call for Hamas to disband or leave Gaza—contradicting Netanyahu’s demand for expulsion.
Netanyahu’s spokesperson later clarified that “expelling Hamas” meant ensuring the group has no governing authority in Gaza, but critics argue this interpretation stretches the text of the U.S. plan.
The Israeli leader also reiterated opposition to Palestinian statehood and rejected any role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, despite the plan’s suggestion that reforms in the West Bank could create conditions for eventual self-determination.
International Force and Palestinian Concerns
The Security Council resolution authorized a multinational force to be temporarily deployed in Gaza, alongside a “Board of Peace” to oversee reconstruction. Hamas condemned the move as an international guardianship mechanism that undermines Palestinian rights, warning that any force attempting to disarm its fighters would lose neutrality.
Reham Owda, a political analyst in Gaza, said Hamas’ statement should be seen as an objection rather than outright rejection, signaling an attempt to negotiate the terms of deployment.
Ceasefire Under Strain
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on October 10 under Trump’s phased plan, but violations have been reported on both sides. Israel has partially withdrawn troops yet continues to control 53% of Gaza.
For many Palestinians, the prospect of international forces is viewed with caution. Abu Abdallah, a displaced businessman in central Gaza, said:
“Hamas can’t decide our fate alone, but we also don’t want to get rid of one occupation, Israel, and get another international occupation.”
Analysis
Netanyahu’s call for Hamas’ expulsion underscores the deep rift between Israel’s hardline stance and the more conciliatory provisions of Trump’s plan. With no clear enforcement mechanisms and both sides entrenched, the proposal risks becoming another diplomatic blueprint that fails to resolve the conflict on the ground.
