Trump rejects Gaza plan as Netanyahu demands Hamas disarmament first
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister has rejected Donald Trump, US President’s 15-point Gaza peace plan, saying Israel will not withdraw its forces from the territory until Hamas is fully and genuinely disarmed.
Netanyahu told his cabinet on Sunday that Israel “rejects the 15-point document” and that the military would continue operating against threats to Israeli troops and civilians. He stressed that any disarmament by Hamas must be real rather than symbolic.
Trump’s plan, announced last September, calls for the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups, an Israeli military withdrawal, increased humanitarian assistance, the establishment of a civilian administration and the reconstruction of Gaza. A proposed Board of Peace would oversee implementation.
Hamas has said it remains committed to the agreement and is prepared to engage in implementing the plan, but has linked the handover of its heavy weapons to an end to Israeli military action and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
