Board of Peace Rejects Israeli Demand to Remove Hamas Weapons From Gaza

A senior Board of Peace official rejected Israel's demand that Hamas's weapons be removed from the Gaza Strip, saying the framework had not changed since it was agreed in full coordination with all parties, including Israel, four months ago. An Israeli political source said the 15 point outline signed with Hamas was not coordinated with Israel and did not meet its demands, which include full disarmament and complete demilitarization. The official attributed Hamas's capitulation to combined military, diplomatic and economic pressure. He said that if the deal is implemented as written, the illegal weapons situation in Gaza would be better than in Judea and Samaria.