Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected US President Donald Trump’s 15-point peace plan for Gaza, declaring that Israel will not pull out its military forces until Hamas is "genuinely" disarmed.

Trump’s Board of Peace announced last month that it had reached an agreement for the "complete disarmament" of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. However, Hamas stated that it would only hand over its heavy weapons if Israel ended "all forms of aggression" and withdrew its forces from Gaza.

At a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu said, "Israel rejects the 15-point document." He added that the Israeli military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed and will continue to thwart threats against our forces and our citizens."

A Hamas official told the BBC that the group "reaffirms its commitment" to the agreement and is ready "to engage seriously and responsibly in implementing" the 15-point plan.

It has been just over a week since Trump described the agreement as a "monumental step toward lasting peace and security," noting that Hamas had agreed to disarm on the condition that Israel withdraws its forces from Gaza.

According to the United Nations, approximately 1.9 million people—90% of Gaza’s population—have been displaced since the conflict began. Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza in response to attacks, resulting in more than 73,000 deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry, figures considered reliable by the UN.

Israel has continued air strikes on Gaza despite an initial ceasefire agreed upon last October.

Sources