Israel rejects Trump’s 15-point plan for Gaza

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected President Donald Trump's 15-point plan for Gaza, stating that Israel will not withdraw its forces until the Palestinian group Hamas is fully disarmed. The Israeli leader made the announcement during a cabinet meeting on Sunday, following the endorsement of the plan by Hamas the previous month.

The Israeli military will maintain a stance against any threats posed to its forces and citizens, persistently tackling the dangers they face. Netanyahu further mentioned that Israel is in ongoing discussions with the United States regarding the matter. Since agreeing to a ceasefire with Hamas in October, Israel has been engaged in near-daily deadly attacks across the Gaza Strip.

In July, Trump unveiled a "historic" agreement that demanded the "complete disarmament of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza," which he deemed a "monumental step toward lasting peace and security." However, the US-led Board of Peace recently stated that an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza would occur only after Hamas's disarmament is complete, following a meeting between the body's director, Nickolay Mladenov, and Netanyahu.

During the meeting, Netanyahu declared his unwavering stance, vowing that "as long as I am prime minister, no Palestinian state will arise," and emphasized Israel's refusal to comply with the US-backed plan. The 15-point plan emphasizes the need to initially focus on Hamas's heavy weaponry, military production sites, weapons depots, and the group's expansive tunnel network.

Meanwhile, Hamas has reiterated its commitment to the 15-point plan for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. The militant organization, through a statement published on Telegram, highlighted the priority of implementing the agreement, which calls for a complete end to attacks on Palestinians, an Israeli troop withdrawal, the opening of crossings, and the admission of aid, shelter supplies, and reconstruction materials.

Hamas called upon mediators and guarantor countries to "assume their responsibilities" and prevent any violations or breaches that could disrupt the process. The group reiterated its commitment to engaging positively and responsibly to ensure the agreement's successful execution, aiming to alleviate the suffering of its people. Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official, expressed his group's continued adherence to the roadmap agreed upon with mediators in Cairo 10 days ago.

Naim stated that they expect the mediators and the US guarantor to urge Netanyahu and his government to adhere to the roadmap and not interfere with the process due to internal political and electoral reasons, while continuing to jeopardize the region's security and stability.