Netanyahu rejects US Gaza draft plan, insists on Hamas disarmament before withdrawal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a U.S. draft proposal on Gaza, saying he has conveyed his own positions to American officials. He stressed that Israel will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is disarmed. Netanyahu said U.S. President Donald Trump and his team believe it is possible to disarm Hamas and turn Gaza into a weapons-free zone, and that Israel is evaluating that option. The Israeli leader added that Israel remains committed to protecting its security interests and that Israeli troops will not leave their positions in Gaza. The disarmament of Hamas has emerged as a central point of dispute in implementing Trump's 20-point Gaza plan, unveiled last autumn. Under the plan, after a Palestinian committee takes over and international forces deploy, heavy weapons would be dismantled and stored, and military production facilities and tunnels would be destroyed. Hamas has publicly objected to amendments made to the plan, saying it is awaiting an official response from the Peace Council and mediators on implementing the second phase of the ceasefire. No further details were immediately available on the status of the talks.