8 nations slam Israel’s rejection of US Gaza peace roadmap

Eight countries, including Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, on Sunday condemned Israel's rejection of the latest US proposal for the next stage of the Gaza peace process, according to a joint statement. The Deccan Herald reports the five Arab nations among them, plus Turkey, Pakistan and Indonesia, said the move threatened US President Donald Trump's intensified efforts to end the war in Gaza. The Times of India adds that the statement called the roadmap a crucial step towards disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, deployment of an international stabilisation force, and reconstruction.

Last Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the proposal, insisting that Hamas must be fully disarmed before Israeli forces withdraw. Netanyahu said the military would not withdraw at all until Hamas is genuinely disarmed of all weapons. Hamas has said it would agree to the next stage only if Israel stops strikes and withdraws troops to the 'yellow line' set out under the October ceasefire agreement. The eight nations urged the US to compel Israel to fully comply with the roadmap's commitments.