Netanyahu Rejects Gaza Peace Council's 15-Point Plan, Demands Hamas Disarmament First

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly rejected the 15-point peace plan proposed by the Gaza Peace Council during a government meeting. He emphasized that Israel will not withdraw from Gaza without the complete disarmament of Hamas. This statement follows U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement last week that the Gaza Peace Council had reached an agreement for Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza to disarm, which Trump described as a significant step toward peace and security.

The proposed agreement includes a ceasefire before moving to the next phase, gradual dismantling of Hamas's weapons, including heavy arms, tunnels, weapon caches, and production facilities, with weapons to be collected and stored under Palestinian and international supervision. Civilian and security responsibilities in Gaza would transfer to a technocratic Palestinian committee managing public services, supported by an international stabilization force and a new Palestinian police.

Following these steps, a phased Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza would occur according to an agreed timeline, with militias prohibited from military activity or showing force. Armed group members would not be integrated into new security forces. However, a major dispute remains over the sequence of actions: Hamas insists on Israeli withdrawal before disarmament, while Israel demands full disarmament as a prerequisite for any withdrawal.