Gaza Peace Stalemate: Netanyahu Rejects Trump’s Davos Peace Plan

Today, Sunday, January 25, 2026, reports from Tel Aviv indicate that Benjamin Netanyahu turned down a White House invitation to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos for the signing of the “Peace Council” charter. This council, announced by Trump on January 15, is intended to oversee a ceasefire and a Gaza administration run by a Palestinian national committee. Netanyahu insisted on maintaining Israeli security control over vast portions of the enclave, describing the plan as contrary to his military objectives.

Simultaneously, Egypt’s Foreign Minister met with the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State to emphasize the need for a full Israeli withdrawal and the reopening of the Rafah crossing in both directions. Egypt has expressed willingness to join Trump’s Peace Council, but on the condition of an international stabilization force and reconstruction efforts free from Israeli military interference. Israeli army radio claims some agreements on Rafah were reached, but field violations of the ceasefire have made them precarious.

Tensions are not limited to Gaza; in Iraq, warnings are increasing regarding a potential U.S. cutoff of oil revenues. U.S. officials have threatened to restrict Iraq’s access to the dollar financial system if armed groups participate in the next government. This “financial strangulation” threat has put Baghdad in a difficult sovereign position. Meanwhile, the U.S. has reduced its dependence on Middle Eastern oil through increased access to Venezuelan production.

In Syria, reports show a ceasefire extension between the state army and Kurdish forces (SDF) in Aleppo, mediated by Russia. This truce is an attempt to prevent a new front amidst regional chaos, though drone strikes in border areas continue. Volatility in global gold and oil prices today reflects international fears that the conflict could expand further in 2026, engulfing the entire region.

Analysts believe Netanyahu’s rejection of the Davos summit is a clear message to the Trump administration that Israel will not easily retreat from its military strategy. This comes as international pressure to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives, reaches its peak. The current diplomatic deadlock in Davos highlights the complexities of peace in a region where new fronts open daily.