Israel presses doubts about Gaza plan as Hamas warns airstrikes will derail effort

Israel expressed doubts about a US-backed Gaza disarmament plan, with a spokesman saying it does not reflect Israel's positions, while Hamas warned that continued airstrikes will derail the effort. The plan, signed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, would see Hamas hand over weapons to a new Palestinian administration. Israeli officials said Israel will not withdraw from its current line in Gaza. President Herzog voiced support for the plan's positive elements. Far-right ministers demanded blocking entry of ISF troops. Hamas reported 18 killed in Israeli strikes in 24 hours.

Israel cast doubt on a US-backed Gaza disarmament plan on Monday, as Hamas warned that continued Israeli airstrikes would derail the effort. A senior Israeli spokesman, Doron Spielman, said the public version of the framework "does not reflect Israel's positions" and "stands in direct contrast to the current reality" in the Strip. An Israeli official added that Israel will not withdraw from its current line in Gaza and will continue to eliminate threats. The plan, signed by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, would see Hamas gradually hand over its weapons to a new Palestinian administration, with arms remaining in the territory. It also mandates that Israel begin withdrawing before Hamas fully disarms. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to comment, while top ministers and anonymous officials voiced disapproval. President Isaac Herzog gave a more upbeat assessment, citing "a lot of positive elements" in the efforts of the Board of Peace under President Trump. Far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Orit Strock demanded blocking the entry of International Stabilization Force troops, approved last week. A Hamas official told Al Jazeera that the plan cannot proceed unless Israel halts its strikes. According to Hamas-run authorities, 18 people were killed in Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours.