Netanyahu rejects US Gaza plan, vows no pullout until Hamas disarms

The Story in Brief

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday rejected the US-backed 15-point plan for Gaza, insisting that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is "genuinely" disarmed. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said Israel rejects the document, endorsed in late July by Hamas, and dismissed the idea of a Palestinian state as long as he is prime minister. The plan, part of a US-led ceasefire announced in October, had called for phased Israeli pullouts in exchange for Hamas surrendering weapons to a new Palestinian governing body. Netanyahu also vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons "with or without an agreement."

Hamas official Bassem Naim told AFP the group remains committed to the roadmap agreed with mediators in Cairo and expects the US to pressure Netanyahu to adhere to it. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran will not negotiate with Washington while the interim deal is breached, though an agreement with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz is in "final stages."