Israel formally rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan until Hamas disarms

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has explicitly turned down a 15-point US-supported Gaza peace proposal previously endorsed by Hamas, insisting that Israeli forces will not pull back from the enclave until the militant group is completely disarmed. In televised remarks to his cabinet on Sunday, Netanyahu stated that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" and reaffirmed that troops will keep countering security threats despite recent diplomatic pressure from Washington that led to a lull in military operations.

The refusal underscores a growing rift with US President Donald Trump, who recently presented the initiative through his Board of Peace as a breakthrough toward lasting stability. Netanyahu's firm stance also reflects domestic electoral pressures, as he balances demands from far-right coalition partners against US diplomatic efforts ahead of Israel's general election scheduled for October 27.

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