Israel rejects Trump’s Gaza peace plan, saying no withdrawal until Hamas disarms

The Israeli government has dismissed the latest United States plan aimed at advancing peace in Gaza, insisting on the complete disarmament of Hamas before any Israeli troops can withdraw. During a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would reject the 15-point document. He emphasized that the Israeli military would "not withdraw at all until Hamas is genuinely disarmed and will continue to thwart threats against our forces and citizens."

Netanyahu clarified that disarming Hamas refers to the removal of heavy weapons, lighter weapons, and all weapons, emphasizing the need for genuine disarmament, not a superficial one. Discussions with the Americans are ongoing, with some ideas deemed acceptable and others not, as Netanyahu clarified his stance. Netanyahu reiterated his stance, stating that "as long as I am prime minister, no Palestinian state will be established — not in Gaza and not in the West Bank."

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump announced a historic agreement to secure the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, following a US-brokered ceasefire. Hamas stated it would only comply with the deal if Israel halted strikes in Gaza and withdrew troops to the "yellow line," as defined in the October ceasefire agreement. Israeli forces currently occupy over half of Gaza, in the eastern and southern regions.