Israel objects to US-backed Gaza plan, defiant on pullout

Jerusalem: Israel conveyed its concerns to the US regarding a proposed plan to end the Gaza conflict, which was endorsed by President Donald Trump, while it continued its strikes in the Palestinian territory. This development highlights the growing divide between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is preparing for a crucial re-election campaign in October.

Netanyahu's office insisted on more concrete disarmament by Hamas, which promised to give up weapons under the Trump plan but has reportedly been rearming and recruiting forces since October. Despite a ceasefire reducing violence, Israel still controls more than 60% of Gaza, and over 1,200 Palestinians have been killed since the truce.

The Israeli military reported five soldiers and one civilian contractor killed in the same period. Trump dubbed Hamas's disarmament move a "major milestone" in ending the devastating war, but Netanyahu's spokesman accused Hamas of preparing for further attacks similar to the Oct 7 massacre. The roadmap released by the Board of Peace called for Israel to cease military operations in Gaza and for a phased withdrawal, a demand Israel has not complied with fully.

Palestinian officials criticized the Israeli approach, accusing it of using civilian infrastructure to hide weapons and accusing Netanyahu of obstructing peace efforts.