Israel approves US firm to map Hamas weapons handover sites in Gaza

Israel has allowed a US company working for the Peace Council to enter Gaza and map sites for Hamas to hand over weapons for destruction.

• The US team will enter Rafah and Khan Younis in southern Gaza to identify complexes where gunmen can safely hand over weapons under Israeli army protection.
• A senior Israeli security source said the United States is exerting strong pressure on Israel to proceed with the plan despite Israeli pessimism over its success.
• Israel announced its rejection of the Peace Council's 15-point plan and tied any withdrawal from Gaza to Hamas disarmament.
• The Israeli army said it struck three weapons warehouses in Gaza, destroying Hamas-stored rockets, explosives and mortars.