Israel rejects US-backed Gaza peace framework over disarmament demands

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally dismissed a US-backed 15-point peace proposal for Gaza, maintaining that Israeli forces will not leave the enclave without the complete disarmament of Hamas.

Addressing his cabinet in televised remarks, Netanyahu stated that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" previously accepted by Hamas. He stressed that the military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and intends to maintain operations aimed at countering security threats.

The decision underscores rising friction between Jerusalem and Washington, following pressure from US President Donald Trump to halt major combat operations. Netanyahu faces conflicting domestic and diplomatic pressures ahead of a scheduled national election on October 27, attempting to balance demands from coalition partners with relations with his primary international ally.

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