Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday that Israel has rejected a 15-point peace plan for Gaza, a proposal previously endorsed by the Palestinian group Hamas. Netanyahu stated at a cabinet meeting that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the territory until Hamas is fully disarmed.

This rejection comes amid ongoing Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip. Israel has continued near-daily attacks since agreeing to a ceasefire with Hamas in October. The Prime Minister reiterated Israel's position that any withdrawal would be contingent on the complete disarmament of Hamas and the cessation of threats against Israeli forces and citizens.

The 15-point document, referred to by Netanyahu, was reportedly endorsed by Hamas last month. The plan's specifics were not detailed in the provided material, but its rejection by Israel signals a significant hurdle in potential de-escalation efforts.

Last week, the US-led Board of Peace indicated that an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza would only occur after Hamas's disarmament is completed. This stance was conveyed following a meeting between the Board's director, Nickolay Mladenov, and Prime Minister Netanyahu, suggesting a continued divergence in strategy between Israel and international mediators.

The current situation in Gaza remains volatile, with reports of continued Israeli attacks and casualties. The ceasefire agreed upon last October has not led to a lasting cessation of hostilities, and the conditions for a broader peace agreement appear distant. International efforts to mediate a lasting resolution have faced significant challenges, with both sides maintaining firm positions.

Netanyahu's announcement underscores Israel's determination to dismantle Hamas's military capabilities, which it views as a primary security threat. The Prime Minister's statement emphasized that military operations would continue to thwart perceived threats to Israeli forces and civilians, indicating no immediate shift in Israel's operational objectives.

The rejection of the 15-point plan by Israel suggests that the proposed framework does not meet its security demands, particularly concerning the disarmament of Hamas. This raises questions about the viability of future peace proposals and the potential pathways towards a resolution in the Gaza conflict.

Further developments are anticipated as the conflict continues. The stance taken by Prime Minister Netanyahu indicates a prolonged military engagement in Gaza until Israel's conditions regarding Hamas disarmament are met, potentially impacting regional stability and humanitarian efforts.