Netanyahu Says Israeli Forces Will Not Withdraw Until Hamas Gives Up All Weapons

US President Donald Trump has suffered a major setback in his efforts to advance a new peace framework for Gaza after Israel rejected his administration’s 15-point plan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would not withdraw its forces from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu made it clear that Israel would continue its military operations until what he described as threats to Israeli civilians and soldiers are neutralised. He also rejected any immediate withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from Gaza.

Israel Demands Complete Disarmament of Hamas

Netanyahu stressed that disarmament must be genuine and comprehensive. According to reports, Israel wants Hamas to surrender all its weapons before any Israeli military withdrawal takes place.

The disagreement marks a significant public rift between Netanyahu and Trump over the future of Gaza. The US-backed framework envisages a phased process involving Hamas disarmament, an Israeli withdrawal and the transfer of governance to a new Palestinian administration.

Hamas Supports US Plan

Hamas, meanwhile, has expressed support for the US-backed proposal and has indicated its willingness to surrender weapons to a newly established Palestinian administration under the framework.

The group has also urged Washington to put pressure on Israel to accept the plan. Hamas has indicated that the next phase of the process could begin once Israel approves the agreement and the necessary arrangements are implemented.

Trump’s Peace Efforts Face Fresh Challenge

The Israeli rejection presents a fresh challenge to Trump’s efforts to push forward a Gaza peace process. The plan was designed to move the conflict towards a phased settlement, including disarmament and a transition in Gaza’s administration.

However, Israel’s insistence on complete Hamas disarmament before withdrawing its forces remains a major obstacle to the proposal.

Muslim Nations Criticise Israeli Military Campaign

The development comes after the United Arab Emirates and seven other Muslim-majority countries issued a joint statement criticising Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

The countries warned that continued Israeli military operations could undermine efforts to implement Trump’s peace initiative and expressed concern over the impact of the conflict on the prospects for a political settlement.

Future of Gaza Peace Plan Uncertain

With Israel rejecting the 15-point proposal while Hamas has indicated support for the framework, the future of the peace process remains uncertain.

The central issue now remains whether the United States can bridge the gap between Israel’s demand for complete Hamas disarmament and the proposed phased withdrawal and governance arrangements for Gaza.