Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel would not accept the 15-point peace proposal for Gaza presented by President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. Netanyahu stated at a cabinet meeting that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would remain in Gaza until Hamas is disarmed, ensuring the protection of Israeli forces and citizens.
President Trump had previously declared an agreement in July for Hamas to disarm and for the IDF to withdraw from Gaza as part of a ceasefire brokered by the U.S. last year. Trump emphasized that this agreement was a crucial step towards governance by a new Palestinian authority in Gaza, working in conjunction with the Board of Peace to benefit the Palestinian people and enhance security in the region.
The 20-point peace plan initiated by Trump resulted in a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, facilitating the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. The plan entails Hamas surrendering its weapons and dismantling its military infrastructure, including tunnels, in exchange for Israeli troop withdrawal, humanitarian aid, and international support to rebuild Gaza.
Following Netanyahu’s rejection of the proposal, Hamas reiterated its commitment to Trump’s plan for the next phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The group urged mediators and guarantors to ensure compliance with the agreement to prevent any disruptions or violations.
Netanyahu affirmed that under his leadership, there would be no Palestinian state in Gaza or the West Bank. He emphasized the need for Hamas to fully disarm, including heavy and light weaponry, as a prerequisite for any withdrawal. Netanyahu acknowledged discussions with the U.S. on the issue, indicating areas of agreement and disagreement.
Despite praising Trump as a strong ally, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s unwavering stance on national security. He reiterated that Israel’s existence and the safety of its citizens are non-negotiable, underscoring the country’s determination to safeguard its interests.
It was noted that ABC News’ Diaa Ostaz contributed to this report.
