Kathmandu [Nepal], August 10 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected US President Donald Trump’s 15-point Gaza peace plan declaring that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the territory until Hamas is completely disarmed.
Speaking during a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu said Israel “rejects the 15-point document” and insisted that no military withdrawal from Gaza would take place unless Hamas is fully stripped of its weapons. He also pledged to continue operations aimed at preventing threats to Israeli soldiers and civilians.
Trump’s “Board of Peace” announced last month that an understanding had been reached on the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. However, Hamas has maintained that it would only hand over its heavy weapons after Israel ends all military operations and withdraws its forces from the enclave.
Although the two sides reached an initial ceasefire agreement in Gaza last October, Israeli military operations have continued since then.
A Hamas official told the BBC on Sunday that the group remains committed to the 15-point agreement and is prepared to implement it in a serious and responsible manner. The official also urged international mediators to ensure that all parties adhere to the agreed terms.
Israel’s latest rejection deals another setback to Trump’s Gaza peace initiative which includes Hamas’ disarmament, an Israeli troop withdrawal, reconstruction of Gaza, and oversight by a proposed Board of Peace.
