Israel rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan as Netanyahu demands Hamas disarm

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point peace proposal for Gaza backed by US President Donald Trump, insisting Israeli troops will remain in the enclave until Hamas fully disarms.

Speaking in a televised address to his cabinet, Netanyahu stated that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" and confirmed that military forces would not pull back while security threats persist. The announcement marks a public rift with Washington, which recently touted progress toward an agreement that Hamas had accepted in late July.

Although the Israeli military has largely suspended offensive strikes under American pressure, Netanyahu faces competing political demands. With a general election set for October 27, the prime minister is attempting to placate far-right coalition partners opposed to territorial concessions while navigating relations with the United States.

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