The Israeli government has rejected a proposal reached by mediators in Cairo with Palestinian factions and is insisting on the complete disarmament of Hamas as a key condition for any progress on US President Donald Trump’s plan, according to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
Citing a source, the newspaper said the 15-point document currently under discussion “does not sufficiently meet Israel’s demands”, adding that Israel had informed former UK prime minister Tony Blair, acting as an envoy, of its objections.
The report said Israel has made clear it will not withdraw from the so-called Yellow Line until Hamas is fully disarmed and the Gaza Strip is completely demilitarised.
READ: New Hamas chief outlines 6 priorities topped by ending Israeli offensive in Gaza
Yedioth Ahronoth also reported that Gaza was not discussed during this week’s meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
A US diplomatic source said talks with mediators in Cairo are “ongoing and making progress”. The source added that the proposed roadmap calls for dismantling all weapons, both heavy and light, without exception, as well as destroying tunnels, weapons depots and production facilities.
According to the newspaper, the main disagreement between Israel, the United States and the mediators is that the proposed agreement would allow weapons to be stored inside Gaza after being taken out of service under international supervision, while Israel insists that all weapons must be removed from the territory entirely.
READ: Dozens of Israeli soldiers leave Sde Teiman base after dispute with commanders: Report
