Israel rejects Trump’s 15‑point Gaza plan, Netanyahu demands Hamas disarmament

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that any Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip will be contingent on what he describes as “genuine” disarmament by Hamas. In a televised address, Netanyahu warned that a premature pull‑out could enable the militant group to re‑arm and resume attacks on Israeli civilians, and he called on regional partners and the United Nations to pressure Hamas into a verifiable cease‑fire and the surrender of weapons caches before any troop redeployment is considered.

The statement comes amid ongoing hostilities that have devastated Gaza’s infrastructure and resulted in a high civilian toll on both sides. International mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, have been engaged in indirect talks aimed at establishing a humanitarian corridor and a cease‑fire, but they have not secured a commitment from Hamas to relinquish its arsenal. Analysts note that the requirement for “genuine” disarmament raises the diplomatic bar for any cease‑fire agreement, potentially prolonging the conflict and complicating efforts to deliver aid and negotiate a lasting resolution.