Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point peace plan for Gaza, insisting that Hamas must be genuinely disarmed before any Israeli military withdrawal occurs.
Key facts
- •Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally rejected the 15-point peace plan during a cabinet meeting on Sunday.
- •The plan was developed by the Board of Peace, an entity established by President Donald Trump to oversee the agreement.
- •Hamas claims its disarmament is conditional on the total withdrawal of Israeli forces and an end to aggression.
- •Netanyahu stated that Israel will continue military operations until Hamas is genuinely disarmed.
- •Israel and Hamas previously agreed to a ceasefire in October of last year.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel has rejected a 15-point peace plan for Gaza spearheaded by US President Donald Trump. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military will not withdraw from the territory until Hamas is genuinely disarmed. The plan, which was announced by Trump's Board of Peace last September, aimed to facilitate the disarmament of armed groups in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the reconstruction of the region.
Conflicting Positions on Disarmament
While the Board of Peace reported an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups, the conditions for such an action remain a point of contention. Hamas officials stated that handing over heavy weapons is contingent upon Israel ending all forms of aggression and withdrawing its forces from Gaza. Conversely, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not accept a "fictitious" disarmament and intends to continue thwarting threats against its citizens and forces.
Ongoing Diplomatic Discussions
Despite the rejection of the 15-point document, Netanyahu indicated that he is currently in discussions with US officials regarding the path forward. He noted that while some American proposals are acceptable to Israel, others are not. Israel has continued to conduct near-daily strikes in Gaza since an initial ceasefire was agreed upon last October, and a Hamas official reaffirmed the group's commitment to the plan, calling on mediators to ensure all parties comply with the agreement.
Timeline
- October of last yearIsrael and Hamas agreed to an initial ceasefire in Gaza.
- September last yearPresident Trump announced the 15-point peace plan and the creation of the Board of Peace.
- Last monthThe Board of Peace announced it had reached an agreement for the disarmament of Hamas.
- SundayNetanyahu announced Israel's rejection of the 15-point document at a cabinet meeting.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Middle East Eye, BBC World.
