BoP Says Gaza Peace Plan Still On Track Despite Israeli PM's Rejection

JAKARTA - US President Donald Trump's plan for peace in Gaza, Palestine is still underway and discussions with Israel continue, a Council on Foreign Relations (BoP) official said on Monday.

This was said after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to withdraw Israeli forces until the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, "completely disarmed."

"The plan is still very active and continues to run," the official told Reuters, quoted by Al Arabiya (11/8).

"This process is based on implementation and verification in the field. Discussions with Israel continue, and the work framework is designed in such a way that each new stage will be continued after the required commitments are fulfilled," he explained.

Last month, Trump announced a breakthrough in his plan to end the conflict - agreed to by both Israel and Hamas - in which Israeli forces would withdraw along with Hamas disarmament, as well as an International Stabilization Force working with the new Palestinian police to secure the enclave.

Various obstacles immediately emerged along with questions about the schedule for implementing the plan.

"This roadmap involves the Peace Council and Hamas, while discussions with Israel continue. Israel is not asked to simply rely on trust or take irreversible steps before verified actions on the ground," the official said.

On Sunday, Netanyahu reiterated his rejection of the Gaza plan in a televised statement before his right-wing government.

This attitude was taken even though the Israeli military has effectively stopped attacks in the region due to pressure from the US.