Israel rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan as Netanyahu demands disarmament

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace proposal endorsed by US President Donald Trump, insisting that military forces will not pull back until Hamas is completely disarmed. Addressing his cabinet, Netanyahu stated, "Israel rejects the 15-point document," adding that troops "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed."

The decision underscores a deepening rift between Jerusalem and Washington, despite Hamas accepting the framework in late July and recent reductions in Israeli strikes under American pressure. Netanyahu faces internal political balancing ahead of a scheduled October 27 national election, weighing demands from coalition partners against Washington's push for an agreement.

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