JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday rejected President Donald Trump's 15-point plan for Gaza, saying Israeli forces would not withdraw from the territory until Hamas undergoes complete and verifiable disarmament.
Hamas officials maintained their position that the handover of heavy weapons is conditional on Israel ending all aggression and withdrawing its forces from Gaza. The group called on international mediators to ensure all parties adhere to the agreed terms.
The U.S. peace plan, first announced by Trump in September last year, laid out a framework for resolution. It included the creation of a Board of Peace to oversee its implementation, alongside the disarmament of Hamas, the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the reconstruction of Gaza.
Last month, the U.S. Board of Peace said it had reached an agreement for the comprehensive disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. Trump characterized the development as a significant step toward lasting peace in the region.
Netanyahu conveyed his government's stance during a cabinet meeting on Sunday. "Israel rejects the 15-point document," he said, adding that the Israeli military would not conduct any withdrawal until Hamas is "genuinely disarmed" and would continue to "thwart threats against our forces and our citizens."
A Hamas official told the BBC on Sunday that the group remains committed to the agreement. The official said Hamas was ready to engage "seriously and responsibly" in implementing the 15-point plan and urged mediators to ensure compliance from all sides.
Pressure from within Netanyahu's right-wing coalition has intensified, with some members advocating for a tougher stance on Gaza. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir dismissed the draft plan as "not acceptable" and called for a new cabinet vote to end the Gaza plan.
Netanyahu confirmed ongoing discussions with U.S. officials regarding the path forward. He acknowledged that while some U.S. ideas are acceptable, others are not, signaling continued points of contention.
Since an initial ceasefire in October last year, Israel has continued to conduct strikes on Gaza.
Nickolay Mladenov, a senior diplomat assigned to implement Trump's peace plan, continues his work despite the rejection, dealing with the competing demands of all involved parties.
With Israeli elections scheduled for the coming months, Netanyahu's government faces mounting pressure not to make concessions that could alienate his political base.
