Netanyahu rejects 15-point Gaza plan, demands full Hamas disarmament
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that his government has rejected a 15-point peace proposal for Gaza. He stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not withdraw from the territory until Hamas is genuinely and completely disarmed. During a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu declared that Israel would not accept the 15-point document proposed by the peace delegation, insisting that any agreement must result in the surrender of the group's entire arsenal, including both heavy and light weaponry. He emphasised that this process must not be a superficial disarmament. Hamas senior official Basem Naim told Reuters that the group remains committed to the Gaza roadmap agreed upon ten days ago in Cairo with mediators and the peace delegation. He added that Hamas expects mediators and the United States to pressure Netanyahu and his government to adhere to that plan. Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed significant progress had been made in peace efforts, stating that Hamas had agreed to lay down its weapons. However, Netanyahu's latest remarks highlight ongoing disagreements regarding the sequence of disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Netanyahu also reiterated his opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state in Gaza or the West Bank, stating that as long as he is Prime Minister, no such state will be formed. Regarding regional security, Netanyahu praised recent IDF operations in Lebanon, describing them as highly significant. On the subject of Iran, he claimed that Tehran has refrained from attacking Israel due to the threat of a powerful response. He also expressed appreciation for Donald Trump and U.S.-Israel cooperation, vowing that he would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, regardless of any potential agreements.