Netanyahu Rejects Trump's Gaza Plan, Demands Hamas Disarmament First

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected a 15-point plan for Gaza put forth by Donald Trump's so-called peace council in July. Netanyahu declared that Israel will not implement any withdrawal from Gaza until Hamas is "genuinely disarmed." He further stated that Israeli forces will continue to operate to prevent threats against their citizens and military personnel.

Netanyahu's remarks came during a cabinet meeting on Sunday, following over a week of escalating criticism from various Israeli politicians regarding the plan's provisions. A key point of contention has been the proposed withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The original plan envisioned a gradual withdrawal synchronized with Hamas's disarmament, with an international stabilization force overseeing weapons storage.

However, Israel has insisted on a different sequence, demanding the complete disarmament of Hamas, including the removal of weapons from Gaza and full demilitarization of the strip, before any Israeli troop pullout occurs. This stance has led to friction, as Israel has opposed offers from countries like Turkey and Indonesia to participate in a stabilization force.

Despite these disagreements, a joint understanding was reportedly reached after a meeting between the peace council's representative for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, and Netanyahu. The peace council stated that a full withdrawal would only happen after disarmament is completed, as Hamas had committed to the mediators. Hamas, for its part, announced on Saturday that it was ready to proceed with the plan and had informed U.S. President Donald Trump of its willingness to surrender its weapons to a third party.