Israel Rejects 15-Point Peace Plan for Gaza

Israel has rejected a 15-point peace plan for Gaza presented by Donald Trump's Peace Council, which called for the disarmament of Hamas and an Israeli withdrawal from the coastal strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the rejection during a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem.

"Israel rejects the 15-point document," Netanyahu stated, emphasizing that the Israeli army "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is disarmed." He clarified that this applies to all weapons, not just heavy artillery. Furthermore, Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to an independent Palestinian state.

The Peace Council's plan had proposed that both Israel and Hamas cease hostilities. It also envisioned a Palestinian interim administration, supported by an international stabilization force, taking control of administration and security, followed by an Israeli military withdrawal. Weapons handed over by Hamas under international supervision were intended to remain under Palestinian control.

However, Israel objects to this arrangement, demanding that weapons must be removed entirely from the Gaza Strip. The plan, as outlined, also stipulated that Israel would only withdraw after Hamas was disarmed, a condition that Israel insists must be met before any troop movement occurs.