WorldIsrael rejects Gaza peace plan as Netanyahu rules out withdrawal before Hamas disarms

Israel has formally turned down a 15-point Gaza peace proposal backed by the United States, its closest ally. The plan envisaged Hamas giving up its weapons and Israeli forces leaving Gaza in stages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will not withdraw until Hamas has been fully disarmed. The rejection could extend the suffering of more than two million Palestinians in Gaza. It also risks making attempts to bring the war to an end even more difficult.