Ziyad an-Nakhala, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, has fiercely denounced a US-Israeli ceasefire proposal for Gaza, labeling it a "formula for perpetuating Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people."

The plan, unveiled during a White House news conference on Monday by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was described by Nakhala as a blatant endorsement of Israel’s agenda, designed to impose through US backing what Israel could not achieve militarily.

In a statement issued on Monday, Nakhala criticized the announcement as a dangerous escalation, warning that the US-Israeli declaration risks "igniting broader conflict in the region." He argued that the plan reflects Israel’s long-standing objectives, sidelining Palestinian rights and self-determination while entrenching occupation under the guise of a ceasefire.

The 20-point plan, presented jointly by Trump and Netanyahu, proposes a temporary administration for Gaza led by Trump, with reported involvement from former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. It calls for the establishment of a new security force in Gaza, explicitly excluding the Palestinian Authority and all Palestinian factions from governance. The proposal demands the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza within 72 hours, to be followed by Israel’s release of Palestinian prisoners. Netanyahu, a figure wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes, expressed support for the plan, stating at the White House, “I support your plan to end the war in Gaza which achieves our war aims.” Critics, including Nakhala, argue that the plan prioritizes Israeli interests while disregarding Palestinian sovereignty and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The announcement has drawn widespread condemnation from Palestinian leaders and advocates, who see it as an attempt to undermine Palestinian resistance and entrench foreign control over Gaza. As the region braces for potential escalation, Nakhala’s statement underscores the deep distrust among Palestinians toward US-Israeli initiatives that fail to address their fundamental rights and aspirations. (ILKHA)