Israel Rejects Trump's 15-Point Gaza Peace Plan, Netanyahu Demands Full Disarmament

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected US President Donald Trump's 15-point peace plan for Gaza. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu declared that the Israeli military will not withdraw from the territory until Hamas is "genuinely" disarmed.

The rejection presents a significant setback to the peace initiative, which was first announced in September last year. The comprehensive plan proposed the creation of a Board of Peace to oversee its implementation, the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the reconstruction of Gaza.

"Israel rejects the 15-point document," Netanyahu stated during the cabinet meeting. He emphasized that the Israeli military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed and will continue to thwart threats against our forces and our citizens."

Disagreement Over Disarmament and Withdrawal Sequence

The core dispute centers on the sequence of disarmament and military withdrawal. Last month, Trump's Board of Peace announced it had reached an agreement for the complete disarmament of armed groups in Gaza. Just over a week ago, Trump described the development as a "monumental step toward lasting peace and security," noting that Hamas had agreed to disarm on the condition that Israel withdraws its forces.

However, Netanyahu made it clear on Sunday that Israel would not agree to these terms. He insisted that Hamas must disarm before any withdrawal takes place, warning against what he described as "fictitious disarmament" and demanding a real, verifiable process.

Meanwhile, Hamas has maintained its position that handing over its heavy weapons is strictly contingent on Israel ending "all forms of aggression" and completely withdrawing its forces from Gaza. Despite agreeing to an initial ceasefire last October, Israel has continued to conduct military strikes across the territory.

A Hamas official told the BBC on Sunday that the group "reaffirms its commitment" to the agreement. The official stated that Hamas remains ready "to engage seriously and responsibly in implementing" the 15-point plan, and called on international mediators to ensure that all parties comply with the agreed terms.

Domestic Pressure and Diplomatic Negotiations

Netanyahu's public rejection of the plan highlights the complex political situation he faces. While he is reluctant to strain relations with Israel's closest ally, he is also under intense domestic pressure. Israel is scheduled to hold elections in a few months, and right-wing members of Netanyahu's governing coalition are urging him to maintain a hardline stance.

Some far-right coalition members have demanded a new cabinet vote to formally end participation in the Gaza plan. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir is among those who have dismissed the draft proposal as "not acceptable."

Netanyahu confirmed he is currently in discussions with US officials regarding the path forward. "They have ideas; some of them are acceptable to us and some are not, and we know how to stand our ground on these matters," the Prime Minister said.

Nickolay Mladenov, a senior diplomat and the Board of Peace's high representative for Gaza tasked with implementing the plan, defended the initiative on Sunday. Speaking to Israel's Channel 12, Mladenov urged Israel "to give the process a chance," calling the plan "the only way forward" to prevent a recurrence of the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Mladenov explained that the peace roadmap is designed to be "verifiable, that is reversible, that at each stage can be stopped." He added that the framework was built with a clear understanding of the challenges ahead, and assured that Israel would not be required to withdraw its forces until it is verified that Hamas is actively taking steps to disarm.

The Human Cost of the Conflict

The ongoing war was triggered on October 7, 2023, when Hamas led an attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel responded by launching a major military campaign in Gaza.

According to the United Nations, the conflict has displaced approximately 1.9 million people, representing about 90 percent of Gaza's population. The health ministry in Gaza reports that more than 73,000 people have been killed since the start of the military campaign, figures that the United Nations considers to be reliable.