Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected US President Donald Trump's 15-point plan for Gaza, declaring that Israel's military will not pull out 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 has stated that relinquishing its heavy weapons depends on Israel ending "all forms of aggression" and withdrawing its forces from Gaza.

Despite an initial ceasefire agreed upon last October, Israel has continued strikes on Gaza. At a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu said, "Israel rejects the 15-point document," and emphasized that the 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 on Sunday that the group "reaffirms its commitment" to the agreement and is ready "to engage seriously and responsibly in implementing" the 15-point plan.

Israel's rejection marks a setback for Trump's Gaza peace plan, which was announced in September last year. Just over a week ago, Trump hailed 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. Trump stressed that Hamas's disarmament must be real and not "fictitious."

Sources