Israel won't withdraw from Gaza until militants are disarmed, Board of Peace envoy says

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday dismissed US President Donald Trump's proposed Gaza peace plan, asserting that Israeli forces would not retreat from the territory until Hamas was fully disarmed. The Israeli leader cited a 15-point document agreed upon by Hamas in late July, stating that Israel would not accept the plan in its entirety.

The military vowed to maintain a presence in Gaza, removing troops and equipment "sector by sector" only after Hamas relinquishes all weapons, including heavy artillery. Despite the disagreement, Netanyahu maintained that Israel continues to engage in talks with Washington, describing Trump as "our greatest friend in the White House" while indicating that not all of the president's ideas align with Israeli interests.

Trump recently announced the 15-point roadmap, which seeks to withdraw Israeli troops and establish an International Stabilization Force, alongside a new Palestinian police force, to maintain security in Gaza. Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the US, and several other nations, and it has not explicitly defined "disarmament."

Hamas maintains its commitment to the roadmap but emphasizes that implementation depends on Israel fulfilling its commitments, including troop withdrawal and cessation of attacks. The dispute between Netanyahu and Trump is particularly contentious as the Israeli prime minister prepares for elections on October 27, amid pressure from far-right members of his government and amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.