Netanyahu pushes back against Trump's Gaza peace plan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (photo: Getty Images)
Israel remains firm on the disarmament of Hamas and rejects the US-proposed 15-point peace initiative, according to a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Why Israel rejected Trump's plan
During a cabinet meeting, the Israeli prime minister stressed that his country does not accept the proposed 15-point document.
He said Israeli forces will withdraw from the Gaza Strip only if Hamas's armed formations are genuinely, rather than merely formally, dismantled.
"The army will continue to stop any threats against our troops and citizens," Netanyahu said, adding that he is currently discussing further steps with US officials.
Hamas's position on peace
For its part, Hamas says it will consider surrendering its heavy weapons only after a complete end to Israeli aggression and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
At the same time, representatives of the group say they remain committed to peace agreements reached in Cairo.
Negotiation context
The initiative for a peace settlement was unveiled following statements that an agreement had been reached on Gaza's demilitarized status.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump called the deal preparation an important step toward stabilizing the region, but fundamental differences remain between the sides over the order in which the conditions should be implemented.
Disarmament of Hamas, Trump's plan
As previously reported, an initiative to disarm Hamas in the Gaza Strip had been actively discussed at the international level.
The United States said the Peace Board was preparing a 15-point plan to disarm Hamas, which Washington considers a necessary condition for rebuilding and reconstruction of the territory after the fighting ends.
Later, Donald Trump said an agreement had been reached on the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in the Gaza Strip. Under the initiative, the next step after the weapons were surrendered was supposed to be the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the region.
