Donald Trump: "monumental step toward lasting peace and security"

At a Sunday cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s 15-point Gaza proposal, insisting the Israeli military would not withdraw until Hamas had genuinely given up its weapons. The plan, introduced last month by Trump’s Board of Peace, called for Hamas and other armed groups to be disarmed, Israeli forces to leave, and Gaza to be rebuilt. Hamas said it would surrender heavy weapons only if Israel ended all aggressive actions and pulled out. Trump had recently described the deal, reached after Hamas agreed in principle to disarm, as a major advance toward stable peace. Netanyahu said he is consulting U.S. officials about next steps. Hamas reaffirmed its acceptance and urged mediators to hold parties to the agreement. The dispute leaves the peace effort struggling.