Benjamin Netanyahu rejects US-backed Gaza plan until Hamas disarms

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has explicitly rejected a US-backed 15-point peace initiative for Gaza, stating that Israeli troops will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed. In televised remarks to his cabinet, Netanyahu declared that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" recently endorsed by Hamas and promoted by US President Donald Trump. He reiterated that the military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and announced that forces would continue addressing threats.

The stance highlights a growing public disagreement between Washington and Tel Aviv. Despite the official rejection, Israeli military operations in Gaza have reportedly slowed down under American pressure. Netanyahu remains under political strain ahead of Israel's national election on October 27, balancing demands from far-right coalition partners with diplomatic pressure from the White House.

Sources: Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, The Guardian, The Herald