JERUSALEM/CAIRO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest Gaza peace plan, saying Israel will not withdraw its forces until Hamas is fully disarmed. The move came as Israel reduced military operations in Gaza following pressure from Washington.
Netanyahu made the statement during a televised meeting with his right-wing government in Jerusalem. He is facing political pressure ahead of Israel’s upcoming election, with far right ministers opposing any major concessions in Gaza and Trump pushing for progress through a 15 point peace roadmap.
Israel has reduced its military activities in Gaza since Monday after Netanyahu met with Trump’s Gaza envoy. According to sources familiar with Israel’s position, the military will now respond only to immediate security threats and has stopped frequent targeted operations.
Trump’s proposed plan includes an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas giving up its weapons and the deployment of an international stabilization force. A new Palestinian security force would also be created to help maintain order in the territory.
“We will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is disarmed,” Netanyahu said. He added that Israel would continue talks with the United States but would reject any parts of the plan it considers unacceptable.
Hamas official Basem Naim said the group remains committed to the roadmap agreed upon in Cairo. He urged mediators and the United States to pressure Netanyahu’s government to follow the agreement and avoid delays caused by political issues.
Hamas has not accepted the term “disarmament” and said it agreed to place its weapons under storage as part of a U.S. supported Palestinian administration. The proposed administration would manage Gaza under international supervision.
The disagreement between Israel and Hamas continues to create challenges for the peace plan. Israel wants Hamas to give up all weapons before any withdrawal, while Hamas says Israel must first stop attacks and complete its commitments.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue to control large areas of Gaza. Millions of Palestinians remain displaced and are living in temporary shelters, crowded areas and damaged buildings as efforts continue to reach a long term solution.
