Hamas's approval necessary for Gaza agreement, says White House

White House officials on Monday said that Hamas's approval is necessary to reach an agreement in Gaza, American news organisation Axios has reported. 

The officials said that such a step had not yet been formalised, adding that they were "very close" to reaching an agreement on Trump's plan. 

US President Donald Trump's proposal to end the war in Gaza includes the destruction of all offensive weapons belonging to the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and for amnesty for fighters who commit to peaceful coexistence. 

According to the 21-point plan, safe passage to other countries would be facilitated for Hamas members who choose to leave, the report mentions. 

The proposal also includes an immediate cessation of all military operations, a freeze of fighting lines in place, and the release of all prisoners within 48 hours.

Hamas on Thursday had said that its "weapons cannot be touched" and that resistance was a national and moral responsibility that derives its legitimacy from the Palestinian people.